Water Conservation Program

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Bert the Salmon's tips for saving water

• Inside
• Outside

Tips for saving water Inside

Here's how to start saving the gallons:

Don't trash toilets and drains
Flushing trash, cleaning clogged drains and using the garbage disposal use gallons of water. Save water by preventing clogs and using the trash can for garbage -not drains or toilets.

• Garbage disposals and food waste-Use the trash can for grease, produce stickers and garbage. Only food waste down the garbage disposal.better yet, compost food waste at home or place it in your yard waste bin. See Food Waste Composting for more information.
• Sinks and showers-Reduce your need for drain cleaning. Keep hair out of the drain by using an inexpensive drain cover.
• Toilets-Since each flush uses water, don't use the toilet as a trash can. Put only toilet paper in the toilet, and use the trash can for everything else-protect the sewer system, the environment and conserve water. See Let's Talk Trash for more information.
  

Fix leaks
Leaking toilets and dripping faucets amount to 14% of indoor water use. Check your toilets for leaks by dropping food coloring in the tank. Wait 10 minutes to see if colored water leaks into the bowl. For more information on detecting and fixing leaks, view the Portland Water Bureau Web page (external link).

Low-flow is the way to go
Install low flow fixtures and save water with every use. Low flow toilets conserve up to four gallons per flush. Low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators can reduce water flow by up to 50 percent. Water efficient washing machines save water and energy and are easier on your clothes. To find out if a rebate is available in your area check the Web at Saving Water Partnership (external link).

Can't switch out right away?

• Laundry and dishes. Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes. If washing dishes by hand use partially filled sinks rather than running water to wash and rinse.
• Toilets. Place a plastic bottle weighted with pebbles and water in the toilet tank as a water displacement device.
• Showers. Take a short shower--don't linger in the tub! A bathtub holds up to 50 gallons of water, an average shower uses 25-45 gallons. Short showers also conserve energy used for hot water heating!
  

Keep a bucket handy
Collect shower and sink water that is wasted while you wait for it to warm up…and use it to flush the toilet and water houseplants or outdoor planters.

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Tips for saving water outside

Water wisely

• Mulching protects plant roots, conserves water and inhibits weed growth.

  Water early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid evaporation. Water half an inch to an inch of water once a week. Using an empty tuna can is a great way to measure when you've reached an inch.
• Mulch, mulch, mulch. Two to three inches of mulch in a garden bed acts like insulation. It helps retain moisture and cool temperatures in the summer and helps protect plant roots from frost in the winter.
• Let your lawn go golden, or consider replacing it with native or low-water landscapes.

Visit Natural Yard Care for more information on low maintenance, water wise yard care.

Capture rain with rain barrels and cisterns
Put in rain barrels in winter or early spring and capture some of the rain for watering this summer. More information is available at Rain Barrel Information and Sources for the Pacific Northwest.

Shut off the run-off
When watering, use a hose with a shut off nozzle. Better yet, buy a cheaper, more efficient soaker hose or opt for easy installation drip irrigation. For more information on irrigation visit the Saving Water Partnership (external link).

Using a shut-off nozzle on your garden hose can save up to 10 gallons a minute.

Use a soaker hose to save time and water

Clean sweep sidewalks and driveways
Use a broom and not a water hose to clean walkways, driveways and sidewalks. This saves water and protects local water bodies from polluted water run-off.

Take a break from car washing

• Use commercial car washes that recycle and treat the water they use.
• If you hold charity car washes or are an organization that works with those who do, learn how you can get a free car wash kit or build one of your own ! Don't let our water quality go down the drain!

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Home Page | Projects and Results | Tips for Saving Water | Resources

For more information about King County's Water Conservation Program and water reclamation efforts, contact Jo Sullivan at 206-296-8361 or
by e-mail.

Jo Sullivan
King County Water Conservation Program
201 S. Jackson St., Suite 505
Seattle, WA 98104-3855

Updated: April 3, 2008

Also of interest

Water Use It Wisely *

Saving Water Partnership *

Yard and Garden Topics

Rain Barrel Information and Sources
for the Pacific Northwest

Water Reuse Program

Infiltration and Inflow Control Program

* External link