Save water, save money

1. Wash full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.

2. Find and fix faucet and toilet leaks. Place a couple of drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color appears in the bowl, it means there is a leak and you probably need a new flapper, which is very easy to replace in the toilet tank.

3. Reduce shower flow. Install a water-efficient showerhead with a 2.5 gallon per minute (g.p.m.) rating. Also try spending a minute less in the shower.

4. Reduce faucet flow. Avoid letting the water run when brushing teeth, washing dishes or shaving. Install faucet aerators that use one g.p.m. or less.

5. Consider purchasing a water-efficient washing machine when you replace your existing machine. Energy and water efficient machines can save you more than $100 each year in energy, water and sewer costs.

6. Install water-efficient 1.6 gallon toilets. Older toilets use up to five gallons of water per flush.

7. Reduce outdoor water use. Sweep the driveway or sidewalk instead of hosing it off. Wash your car at a commercial car wash that recycles water.
8. Use natural lawn care practices now for a healthier lawn this summer. Aerate compacted soil to improve your lawn roots and help them hold more water.

9. Prepare your garden using natural garden practices. Dig compost into your soil to increase its ability to retain water, and apply mulch around your plants to avoid evaporation.

10. You can reduce water runoff from your lawn by properly adjusting your lawnmower. Healthy turf holds rainwater, filters sediments and chemicals, and requires less frequent watering. Mowing height for perennial ryegrass and fescues should be 1 1/2 inches. Cut your grass frequently enough so that no more than 1/3 of the grass blade is removed at one mowing. .

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