Water Conservation City of YachatsGENERAL WATER SAVING TIPS
Install water-saving devices. There are many devices you can buy inexpensively.
Find and repair leaks. One drop per second wastes gallons per year. Read your meter at night after day's water use has ended and then again in the morning before any water is used. If the meter registers use, there is a leak.
Flush only when necessary. Do not use the toilet for a trash can. Install a low-flow toilet.
Keep showers short with pressure at low force. Install a low-flow showerhead.
Scrape dishes, but don't pre-rinse before putting them in the dishwasher. If you do dishes by hand, fill the sink instead of running water continuously. Use minimum amount of detergent.
Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator, not under running water. Cook with a minimum amount of water.
Use the load selector to match water level to the size of load in your washing machine. Presoak heavily soiled items so they do not have to be washed twice.
Use a pail or basin instead of running water when you are cleaning.
Use a broom or rake instead of water to clean your driveway or walkways.
Do not leave water running when you wash your car. Rinse quickly, wash from bucket of soapy water, then rinse quickly again.
Check your shut-off valve regularly and repair or replace as needed. Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is located and how to turn the water off in case of emergency.
Do not let water run while you shave or brush your teeth.
Rinse fruits and vegetable in a shallow sink of water instead of under running water.
Look for leaks in the toilet. Hidden leaks can waste hundreds of gallons a day undetected. Leaks occur when the toilet is out of adjustment or when parts are worn, so it's important to check periodically. Leaks can develop at any time. If you put food color in the tank and that colored water ends up in the bowl you know you have a leak. Color tablets to use for such a test are available free at the City Hall office.
Don't shower too long or fill the tub too full. Most showers pour out between and gallons per minute and that can add up fast when you stand there for to minutes. Limit your showers to minutes or five inches in the tub for a bath. And remember, a water saving shower head is a very easy way to reduce water use.
Don't leave the water running while you shave or brush your teeth.
Make sure the washer and dishwasher are full before running them. And don't bother rinsing the dishes in the sink before you put them in the dishwasher. Scrape them clean and let the machine do the rest.
Don't leave the water running while you scrub vegetables.
Store a jug of ice water in the refrigerator for drinking.
Check all the faucets in the house once or twice a year and replace worn washers.
Create an awareness of the need for water conservation among your children. Avoid the purchase of recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules and restrictions that may be in effect in your area.
Encourage your employer to promote water conservation at the workplace. Suggest that water conservation be put in the employee orientation manual and training program.
Patronize businesses which practice and promote water conservation.
Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner or the City.
Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.
Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste water for irrigation and other uses.
Support efforts and programs to create a concern for water conservation among tourists and visitors to our state. Make sure your visitors understand the need for, and benefits of, water conservation.
Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water conscious community. Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on bulletin boards and by example.
Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don't waste water just because someone else is paying the bill such as when you are staying at a hotel.
Try to do one thing each day that will result in a savings of water. Don't worry if the savings is minimal. Every drop counts. And every person can make a difference. So tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers to "Turn it Off" and "Keep it Off."