Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. This stretches our supplies farther, and protects places like Lake Belton. Using less water also puts less pressure on Bell County WCID No.1’s sewage treatment facilities, and uses less energy for water heating. Below are a list of conservation tips you can do to conserve water and save money.
Inside:
Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Saves 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.
Check toilet for leaks. Put dye tablets or food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak that should be repaired. Saves 400 gallons a month.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Saves three gallons each day.
Turn off the water while shaving. Fill the bottom of the sink with a few inches of water to rinse your razor. Saves three gallons each day.
Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors. Saves 500 to 800 gallons per month.
Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.
If you wash dishes by hand--and that's the best way--don't leave the water running for rinsing. If you have two sinks, fill one with rinse water. If you only have one sink, use a spray device or short blasts instead of letting the water run. Saves 200 to 500 gallons a month.
When washing dishes by hand, use the least amount of detergent possible. This minimizes rinse water needed. Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.
Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator. This beats the wasteful habit of running tap water to cool it for drinking. Saves 200 to 300 gallons a month.
Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. Saves 300 to 800 gallons per month.
Outside:
Put a layer of hardwood mulch around trees and plants to slow down evaporation. Saves 750 to 1,500 gallons a month.
Don't water the lawn during the hottest part of the day and watering it during early morning is better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Saves 300 gallons.
Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass. If it springs back, when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. Cut down watering on cool and overcast days and don't water in the rain. Can save up to 300 gallons each time. Water one inch per every 5-7 days, and only if rainfall is insufficient (a rainfall of one inch is sufficient for watering).
Raise your lawn mower blade at least 3 inches or to the highest level. Longer grass means less evaporation. Saves 500 to 1,500 gallons each month.
When taking your car to a car wash--a good idea for saving water--be sure it's one of the many that recycles its wash water.
Don't water the sidewalks, driveway or gutter, as these will not grow or get greener. Ensure water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs--and only there. Saves 500 gallons per month.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Saves 150 gallons or more each time. At once a week, that's more than 600 gallons a month.
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