Tuesday, December 4

how much H2O?

Are you concerned about the Atlanta water supply?

Check the Lake Lanier Water Watch
and the AJC's Coping with the Drought

Water Use it Wisely - Indoor water conservation tips for the Southeast United States
(tips in green are changes I can make in my household)

#2.
When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
#5.
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and you could save 1000 gallons a month.
#8.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save gallons every time.
#10.
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold drinks, so that every drop goes down you not the drain.
#13.
Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap.
#16.
If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a water-efficient showerhead.
#17.
Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants.
#22.
When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances.
#23.
Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You'll save up to 1000 gallons a month.
#24.
Install low-volume toilets.
#26.
When you clean your fish tank, use the water you've drained on your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer.
#28.
Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. It's easy to fix, and you can save more than 600 gallons a month.
#29.
Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
#32.
Designate one glass for your drinking water each day. This will cut down on the number of times you run your dishwasher.
#35.
Don't use running water to thaw food.
#37.
Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week.
#39.
When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
#40.
Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly after each use.
#42.
Before you lather up, install a low-flow showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week.
#43.
Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
#54.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute. That's 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
#59.
Make sure your toilet flapper doesn't stick open after flushing.
#60.
Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets.
#62.
Install an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will also reduce heating costs for your household.
#64.
Cut back on rinsing if your dishwasher is new. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
#70.
Bathe your young children together.
#73.
Insulate hot water pipes so you don't have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.
#75.
Drop that tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save gallons every time.
#81.
If your toilet was installed prior to 1980, place a toilet dam or bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water used for each flush. Be sure these devices do not interfere with operating parts.
#82.
Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum number of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness.
#83.
Wash clothes only when you have a full load and save up to 600 gallons each month.
#89.
Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves. Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons each month.
#91.
Cook food in as little water as possible. This will also retain more of the nutrients.
#95.
Choose new water-saving appliances, like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.
#98.
Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.
#100.

Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 100 gallons a week.
#101.

When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
#102.

If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
#103.

To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
#104.

While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
#107.

Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent from using the garbage disposal.
#110.

Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
#111.

When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.

posted by shelly @ 9:31 AM

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