During a drought, it is important to conserve as much water as possible. Making small changes in our daily routines can go a long way. There are also other things we can do to help reduce the impact of a drought. Watch to learn more about what you should do. More information for residents are available from the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources.
water conservation
Water Conservation Tips
We’re having a dry summer in Connecticut. There are many simple steps for you to conserve water at home, including:
- Taking shorter showers
- Running dishwashers and laundry machines with full loads
- Shutting off water while washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth, and lathering up to wash hands, rather than running the water continuously
- Avoid washing vehicles, or power-washing homes and other buildings
- Not using water to clean sidewalks, driveways, and roads
- Reducing as much as possible the watering of lawns, recreational and athletic fields, gardens, or other landscape areas
- Not using public water to fill residential pools
- Promptly repairing any leaks
10 Water Conservation Tips
Even with yesterday’s rain, it will take a while for water levels to catch up. There are many small steps we can all take to conserve water in our homes.
- Take shorter showers
- Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
- Use water only as needed when washing dishes, shaving, and brushing teeth.
- Fix leaky faucets – a leaky faucet can waste 20 gallons or more per day. Verify your home is leak free by checking your water meter before and after a one-hour period when no water is being used. If the reading on the meter isn’t exactly the same, there is a leak somewhere.
- Install a displacement device in the toilet tank; it will cut down on the amount of water needed per flush.
- Don’t wash cars, driveways, sidewalks or other areas that can wait until water levels are restored. Avoid power washing buildings as well. Use a broom and dustpan to clean sidewalks, decks and porches when possible.
- Consider adding a rain garden to your landscape. Watch this webinar for more information.
- As you replace appliances (toilets, dishwasher, and washing machine), make energy efficient choices.
- Have a water-wise lawn and garden. UConn Extension has these ten tips for your lawn and garden.
- In the warmer months, raise the thermostat on air conditioners when no one will be in the space for several hours.