In light of the Stage 3 Drought Emergency here in Wichita Falls, here are a few water saving tips.
• Check for a suspected water leak in your home by making sure all water is shut off and checking the water meter. The leak may be a running toilet or damaged pipe beneath the home or in the yard.
•Approximately 50% of the water used in a home is hot water. Providing energy to heat the water is a major drain on utility bills. Cutting down on hot water use will save water and money.
• Monitor water bills and water meters for unusually high use; higher than usual totals can indicate a water leak, which can cost hundreds of dollars a year.
• When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
• Know where the master water shut-off valve is located at your home. This can save water and prevent damage to the home should a leak occur.
• Work aggressively with the local government and school system to encourage, develop and promote water conservation.
• When the kids want to cool off, use a sprinkler in an area where the lawn needs it the most.
• Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
• Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves water, chemicals, and energy costs.
• When replacing a pet’s water, don’t throw the old water out. Use it to water trees, shrubs, or indoor plants.
• Insulate all hot water pipes to avoid long delays while waiting for hot water when running a bathroom or kitchen faucet.
• When replacing a hot water heater consider a “tankless” heater. Tankless heaters provide instant hot water, saving time, water and upwards of 60% on water heating bills.
• Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner, local authorities or your water agency.
• Get involved in water management issues. Voice your questions and concerns at public meetings conducted by your local, county, and state government.
• Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules in effect in Wichita Falls. Good water conservations efforts by everyone benefit the entire community.
• Encourage employers to promote water conservation in the workplace. See if water conservation can be put into employee orientation and training programs.
• Encourage businesses to practice and promote water conservation such as only serving water upon request.
• When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• Brushing your teeth without the water running saves 25 gallons a month.
• If the toilet flapper doesn’t seal completely after flushing, replace it. A leaking flapper can cost from $50-$500.00 a year in wasted water. A new flapper is only $3-$10.00
• If a toilet is installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by insering a displacement device in the tank.
• Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
• Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
• Save water and time by brushing your teeth while you shower.
• Use towels more than once. Hang them up to dry and use them again rather than throwing them in the wash.
• Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
• When washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.
• Don’t use the toilet to get rid of trash. This wastes water and increases the work load at the waste water treatment plant.
• Of total household water use the washing machine accounts for approximately 14%.
• Run the washing machine only when it is full. This can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
• When buying a new washer choose one that is significantly more water and energy efficient than the minimum government standards also, make sure the washer has adequate wash cycle size adjustments to ensure the most efficient use of water.
• Wash dark clothes in cold water saves on water and energy while it helps clothes keep their color.