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Water Conservation Tips
All Year Long
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Toilets are the #1 cause of undetected water leaks in the home (and resulting high water bills)—a leaky toilet wastes between 30 and 200 gallons of water per day! Replace worn toilet flappers, and consider replacing old toilets with water-saving newer models. Learn more
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Faucets are the second most common cause of water leaks. Replace rubber washers and gaskets in your faucets, hoses and shower heads. Learn more
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Take showers instead of baths: a 4-5 minute shower uses roughly 10 gallons of water compared to up to 50 gallons for a bath.
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Take shorter showers: every minute is 2.5 gallons!
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Install energy efficient shower heads, toilets, and faucet nozzles.
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Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.
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Fix leaky faucets, hose bibs, sprinkler heads, and toilet flappers.
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Wash large loads of laundry and wait until your dishwasher is full to run it. If you've only got a few dirty plates or you're in a small household where it's not practical to wait until the dishwasher's full, you're better off washing in the sink. Just remember to turn off the water while you're scrubbing.
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When changing out your pet's water dish or draining the aquarium to clean, use the old water on house plants.
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Pay close attention to your containers: unglazed terra cotta clay containers are beautiful, but they dry out quickly. Wherever possible, choose glazed ceramic, plastic, or other hard-material pots.
During Summer's Peak Usage / Higher Rates
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Check irrigation systems for freeze damage, broken parts, and slow leaks (this tip can save schools and other municipal facilities thousands of dollars every year!) Unusually damp or green patches of grass are usually the first sign of a leak. Inspect your irrigation system for leaks and breaks at least once a month while it is being used.
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Water early or late in the day to reduce evaporation. Avoid watering in the head of the day and/or when it's windy.
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Apply water to the roots, not the foliage: Watering the roots reduces evaporation and the risk of plant disease. Using tools that direct water to the roots—like a water wand or a drip irrigation system—will help keep water where it is most useful.
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Water outdoor plants twice a week; apply directly by hand.
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Install drip irrigation for maximum watering efficiency.
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Apply a layer of mulch around plants to help retain water.
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Let your lawn go dormant: water deeply once a month to keep roots alive.
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Use a broom or ShopVac rather than a hose to clean sidewalks, driveways and patios, rather than hosing them down—this can save up to 150 gallons each time!
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Save pressure washing jobs until Fall rains return.
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Wash cars less often, at locations that recycle water.
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Turn off your garden hose at the faucet, not at the nozzle (nozzles are notorious for slow leaks).
Water Conservation Components
Silver Lake Water & Sewer District offers limited quantities of the following water conservation components to our customers.These items can help you manage your water usage, especially during the summer. All pieces install very easily with few tools required. Just call us to make sure we have them in stock before you come pick up! (425) 337-3647
Residential Showerhead & Faucet Kit
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One Low-Flow Showerhead
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Two Bathroom Faucet Aerators
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Teflon tape