Here are a few tips to consider during this drought.
1. Turn faucet off when brushing teeth or shaving.
2. Install a faucet aerator on your bathroom sink.
3. Install a faucet aerator on your kitchen sink.
4. Install a toilet tummy in your toilet tank.
Other ways to converse water throughout your home:
In the Bathroom:
Install a water-saving shower head. Older heads use 5- 10 gallongs 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. Place dye tablets in your toilet tank. After several minutes id you see the dye enter your toilet bowl you know you have a leak.
Consider installing a high efficiency toilet (HET) that only uses 1.28 gallons/flush.
Shorten your showers. Take short showers instead of baths. To make it fun for kids, turn it into a game to see who can get the most “squeaky clean” in under 3 minutes.
Place a bucket in your shower to capture the water that runs while you’re waiting for it to get hot. Use the water to water your plants and trees.
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.
Wash only full loads in the dishwasher. Use the “light-wash” setting when possible.
Consider buying a high efficiency dishwasher that will save water and energy. Some water districts and homeowners associations give discounts for this.
Keep a jug of chilled water in the refridgerator for drinking to avoid running the water until it gets cold.
In the Laundry
Wash only full loads of clothing.
Hand wash single garments.
Consider buying a high efficiency washing machine that will save water and energy.
Outdoors:
Raise your lawnmower blade to at least three inches; taller grasss holds soil moisture better.
Clean the driveway and sidewalk with a broom instead of a hose to save hundreds of gallons of water.
When you see an open hydrant, errant sprinkler or broken pipe, tell the property owner, local authorities, or your Water Management District.