Conservation Tips

Around the Home

• 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.

Agricultural Considerations

• 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.