Water Conservation

1 CUBIC FOOT = 7.50 GALLONS OF WATER

A single dripping faucet can waste more water in a single day than one person needs for drinking in an entire week – Up to 20 or more gallons a day.

How to use your meter to check for leaks:

1. Locate your water meter. It is usually found in a small concrete or plastic box near the street.
2. If you need help locating the water meter contact the PUD.
   
3. Turn off all water, including water using appliances in the home
   
4. Remember to shut off all indoor and outdoor faucets
   
5. Check and record the current meter reading
   
6. Wait at least 15 minutes before checking your meter again.
   
7. Remember; do not use any water while you are waiting!
   
8. Read the water meter again. If the reading has changed, then you may have a leak that could require immediate attention

Tips for saving water outdoors

• Do not water when windy
• Watering should be done in the evening or early morning hours when evaporation is least likely to occur.
• Do not apply water more rapidly than the soil can absorb
• Make sure that your sprinkler system is working properly. Fix leaks, and adjust sprinkler heads to eliminate any over spray on driveways, paved areas or buildings.
• Use a broom to clean walkways and driveways instead of a hose.
• Clean gutters and downspouts manually instead of using a hose.
• When washing cars, use a hose with a shut-off nozzle along with a bucket of soapy water rather than letting the hose run.

Tips for saving water indoors

• Install water-efficient showerheads and/or take shorter showers
• Check toilets for leaks. Use food coloring or a leak detection tablet in the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak that requires immediate attention.
• Do not let the bathroom sink faucet run while you are brushing your teeth or shaving.
  
• When washing clothes, use the proper water level, load size and water temperature.
  
• Consider installing a water efficient washing machine.
  
• Only run the dishwasher when it is full.
  
• Keep a bottle or pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator. This eliminates letting the tap run while waiting for the water to get cold.