Step 1: Initial Research

Hey there! The uploads begin.

This is the preliminary research I did on overall water conservation tips. I got my information from three websites (cited at the bottom.) Here goes!

EPA.gov (1)

• Repair leaky faucets (inside and outside) and consider replacing old appliances

Kitchen:

• Basins-- clean veggies in bowl of water, and clean dishes in a filled sink
• Dishwashers-- only run when full, and try to have “light wash” types
• Use garbage disposal sparingly
• Install faucet aerators

Bathroom

• Take short showers
• Running water-- turn water off when brushing teeth, fill the sink for shaving, or shave and soap in the shower
• Repair leaky toilets
• Install toilet dams, faucet aerators and low flow showerheads

Laundry

• Run full loads of laundry
• Look for water saving models that can be adjusted to load size

Outdoors

• Gardening-- smaller gardens and natural veggies. Native plants are best. Ask for low water plants or shrubs. Cluster demanding plants together for efficiency
• When mowing, set the blades to 2-3” high
• Watering-- Only when necessary. Once a week if minimal rainfall, avoid hot and windy days. Water in morning or late evening. Ensure sprinklers don't want non-vegetation. Put down no more than 1” of water per week. If automatic irrigation, ensure it is properly installed, delivers the proper amount, and has rain shut off capability.
• Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds
• Collect rainfall for irrigation in screened container
• Washing car-- wet it quickly, then use bucket of water to wash it. Turn on hose or use rain for final wash
• Use broom for cleaning instead of hose

ECY.WA.gov (2)

Bathroom

• Turn off water when tooth brushing
• Showers instead of baths
• If bath, immediately plug drain and adjust temperature as you fill the tub
• Use leak free, high efficiency toilet
• Turn off water while lathering hands

Kitchen

• Wash only full loads, and select appropriate water level or load size
• Defrost foods in fridge overnight
• Scrape dishes before putting in dishwasher
• Compost instead of garbage disposal
• Keep drinking water in fridge

Laundry

• Wash full loads only, or use appropriate water level/load size
• High efficiency washermachine

Leaks

• Fix 'em

Outdoors

• Native/drought resistant plants
• Hose timer
• Collect rainwater
• Use broom or electric blower to clean
• Washing car-- use adjustable nozzle/sprayer & turn off water while soaping

RIPUC.org (3)

Indoor

• Low flow showerheads
• Cut showers by 1-2 minutes
• Taking bath instead of a shower once per day
• Cut off water while soaping and scrubbing in the shower
• Low flow toilet
• Turn water off to brush teeth
• When washing dishes, use spray device or short blasts of water
• Use “just enough” dish detergent
• Collect the colder water wasted while waiting for hot in a bin
• Fix leaks
• Fix or shut off dripping faucets
• Use partially filled sink to wet razor
• Check for toilet leaks with food coloring
• Keep water in fridge for drinking
• Thaw food in fridge
• Wash only full loads of dishes
• Select proper water level for laundry

Outdoors

• Water in early morning or early evening
• Don't let sprinklers water not-vegetation
• Fix leaks
• Fix or shut off dripping faucets
• Drip irrigation around trees, shrubs and gardens
• “Mowing lawns higher than normal”
• Cut water off when carwashing.
• Cover your pool
• Shut off nozzles on hoses
• Collect rainwater on roof

(1) United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2017, February 16). Water Conservation Tips for Residents. Retrieved March 15, 2017 from https://www3.epa.gov/region1/eco/drinkwater/water_conservation_residents.html.

(2) Department of Ecology: the State of Washington. (Date unknown.) Water conservation: it all starts with you. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/ws/wtrcnsv.html.

(3) Unknown. (Date unknown.) Water Conservation Tips. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.ripuc.org/consumerinfo/Conservation_Water.pdf.