Nature's Voice Our Choice

Learn Simple ways to Reduce Water Consumption in your Home and Office

The 5 for 5 for 5 Solution
5 Ways to Save at least 5 Gallons of Water per Day for under $5

Even as individuals who work in water conservation, we find it difficult to adopt and consistantly carry out good water conservation habits, Therefore, we have 5 simple suggetions that will save at least 5 gallons water/day for a cost of less than $5.
 
1)  Don't leave the faucet running when using the sink. Instead, fill a glass to brush your teeth or partially fill the basin to wash or shave. Turn the water on again to rinse your brush, razor or washcloth. (Saves 2-10 gallons/day:  Cost $0.00)

2)  Install a 1.5 gpm faucet aerator on your bathroom faucets (Saves 2-10 gallons/day:  Cost $1.50 each)

3)  Install 1 or 2 Toilet tummies on each toilet.  The toilet tummy is a device that you fill with water and place inside your toilet tank to displace water.  (Save 1/2 to 1 gallon per flush:  Cost $4.80 each)

4)  Don't use your toilet as a waste basket for kleenex or other debris (Saves 2.5 - 6.5/gallons/flush:  Cost $0.00)

5)  Install a 2.5 gpm faucet aerator on your kitchen sink (Saves 2-10 gallons/day Cost $1.50 each)

Other Ways to Conserve Water Througout Your Home and Office

In the Bathroom

• Install a water-saving shower head. Older heads use 5-10 gallons per minute (gpm). All new fixtures use approximately 2.5 gpm and offer equal water coverage and force.
• Many high water consumption problems stem from toilets which slowly leak water because of bad valves, improperly positioned float arms or defective overflow tubes.

In the Kitchen

• Rinse dishes, vegetables and fruits in a filled basin, rather than under running water.
• Water your plants with left-over rinse water. (Plants also love fish tank water!)
• Wash only full loads in the dishwasher. Use the "light wash" setting when possible.
  Keep a jug of chilled water in the refrigerator for drinking.

In the Laundry

• Wash only full loads of clothing.
• Hand wash single garments.  

Outside

• Water your lawn only in the cool parts of the day to minimize evaporation.
• How much is enough? Place a tuna or cat food can on the lawn in reach of the sprinkler. When the can is full, your yard has had sufficient watering (1"). Light sprinklings tend to evaporate quickly and encourage shallow root growth. Heavy sprinklings run off and waste water. Avoid watering the driveway and street, too!
• Let your grass grow longer in warm months to discourage evaporation and lawn burn.
• Limit the amount of turf in your yard and grow plants which require little water.
• Sweep off your driveway, walks and patio rather than hosing them off.
• Buy a trigger nozzle for your hose rather than leaving the water running between uses.
• Cover swimming pools when not in use to prevent evaporation.
• Mulch outdoor plants to help the soil retain moisture.
• Use reclaimed greywater, if available (see http://www.greywaterguerillas.com)/
• Use Xeriscape Landscaping