Water is ours to use, but not to waste. Being water wise is primarily a matter of common sense. You can avoid additional expense by simply making a routine of checking your household for leaks and paying attention to how you use water.

 

Know how much water you use.
Routine activities can use more than you think.
Where can you cut back your usage?

Activity Gallons Used
Shower 20-50 (5-10 per minute)
Tub Bath 36 (Full)
Toilet Flush 5-7
Tooth Brushing 2 (tap running)
Hand Washing 2 (tap running)
Shaving 3-5 (tap running)
Dish washing 20 (tap running)
Automatic dishwasher 10-15 (full cycle)
Clothes washer 30-60 (full cycle)
Outdoor watering 5-10 (per minute)

 

AVOID WASTING WATER

Little leaks add up. They can cost you money and waste precious water. That’s why it’s important to do a regular household check and repair leaks before they become progressively worse.

  • CHECK TOILETS
    Toilets are a major source of water waste. A single toilet can waste up to 2,500 gallons of water in one day. Make sure the mechanisms are working properly. Take the lid off the flush tank and check to make sure the water level is below the overflow pipe. Gently bend the float arm to adjust the water level if necessary. Check for toilet leaks by placing a little food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait five minutes without flushing. If the color begins to appear in the bowl, you have a leak which should be repaired immediately.

  • CHECK FAUCETS
    Check all faucets and replace washers if they are worn. A good household do-it-yourself book will give you directions. Aerators can also reduce water usage.

  • CHECK HOT WATER TANK AND APPLIANCES
    Check the pressure relief valve on your hot water tank to make sure it doesn’t stick. Also check for leaks in washers, ice makers, humidifiers and dishwashers.

  • CHECK OUTSIDE WATER TAPS
    Make sure outside taps are turned off at the when not in use. Do not depend on the hose nozzle to stop the flow of water, use the faucet.

  • CHECK SERVICE LINES
    If you have thoroughly checked the building and found no water waste, your leak may be in the water line that runs from the meter to the house. These leaks often go undetected because the water they waste soaks into the ground.

  • HOW TO CHECK FOR LEAKS
    To check for a leak between your house and the meter you should:

  1. Take a reading from your meter at night before you retire for the evening.
  2. Do not use any water throughout the night, including flushing toilets.
  3. Take another reading from your meter in the morning before using any water.
  4. If the reading has changed, you have a leak.