• Use your water meter to check for leaks in your home. Start by turning off all faucets and water-using appliances and make sure no one uses water during the testing period. Take a reading on your meter, wait about 30 minutes, then take a second reading. If the dial has moved you have a leak.

• Check for a leaky toilet by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the dye shows up in the bowl after 15 minutes, the toilet has a leak. Leaky toilets can usually be repaired by replacing the flapper. Place a brick or other large, solid object in the flush tank of the toilet to reduce the water used to flush.

•  Check for leaky faucets in sinks and bathtubs. Dripping faucets can usually be repaired by replacing the rubber o-ring or washer inside the valve.

•  Take quick showers rather than a bath to save an average of 20 gallons of water.

• Turn off water when brushing your teeth or shaving.

• Clean vegetables in a sink or pan partially filled with water rather than running water from the tap. Re-use this water for watering house plants.

• If you wash dishes by hand, rinse them in a sink partially filled with clean water instead of under running tap water.

• Instead of waiting for tap water to get cold enough for drinking, keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator.

• When possible, compost food scraps or dispose of them in the garbage rather than using the garbage disposal which requires a high level of water for operation.

• Only run your dishwasher when it is full to make the best use of water.

• Wash only full loads of laundry or if you can’t wait for a full load, use the right water level to match the size of the load.

• Insulate hot water pipes and your electric water heater.

• Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water and use a nozzle to stop the flow of water from the hose between rinsings.

• Prevent leaks by shutting off and draining water lines to outside spigots in winter.

• Cover spas/pools to reduce evaporation. Check for leaks and have them repaired promptly.

Landscaping:

Landscaping accounts for 20 - 50% of all residential water use and provides the best opportunity for conservation:

• Maintain a lawn height of 2 ½ - 3 inches to help protect roots from heat stress and reduce the loss of moisture to evaporation.

• Avoid planting turf in areas that are difficult to irrigate properly such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks or driveways.

• Mulch around plants, bushes and trees to help the soil retain moisture, discourage the growth of weeds and provide essential nutrients.

• Plant in the spring or fall, when watering requirements are lower.

• When choosing plants, keep in mind that smaller ones require less water to become established.

• Plant flower and vegetable varieties that tolerate shade and, thus, require less frequent watering.

• Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent runoff.

• Use xeriscape principles – landscaping that conserves water.  Contact the Extension Office for information on xeriscaping.

• Don’t over water your lawn – and don’t water until the lawn needs it. If the grass turns a dull grey-green and if footprints remain when you walk across the lawn, it’s time to water. Lawns can do without water for a long time and turn green again when moisture is available.

• Water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Avoid watering in high winds or in the heat of the day.

• Water in several short sessions rather than one long one to allow your lawn to better absorb moisture.

• Install moisture sensors in each irrigation zone (sunny, shady, etc) to better determine irrigation needs.

• Check sprinkler system valves for leaks; keep the heads in good repair.

• Adjust the timer of automatic sprinklers according to seasonal demands and weather conditions. Install a rain shut-off device to eliminate unneeded watering.

• Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist, which increases evaporation.

• Install a drip irrigation system for watering gardens, trees and shrubs.

• Develop a crop water management plan based on water use efficiency and rainfall patterns.
• Develop, improve and maintain vegetative cover.
• Manage salinity.

The Pondera County MSU Extension Office can provide more information on crop water management planning, vegetative cover and managing salinity.

The Farm Service Agency can provide information on disaster assistance.