Water Conservation Tips

How much water do you use? If you have metered water divide your monthly water consumption on your bill by the number of people in your household and the number of days in the billing cycle. Ex. 4900 gallons consumed in 30 days, 4 people in household = 4900/30/4 = 40.8 gallons consumed per person per day. That is better than the average PA consumption of 62 gallons per person per day. For unmetered water read PA DEP link . Water is a finite resource which is shared with more people each day. Read the tips below to help conserve water and save on your water/sewer bills.

Bathroom

If you need to replace a toilet consider buying a dual flush toilet. Low-flow toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush. Dual flush toilets enables you to use 0.8 gallons for a half flush and 1.6 gallons for a full flush. All toilets manufactured after 1994 use a maximum of 1.6 gallons/flush. Another option is to only flush when feces are in your toilet. If you just urinate wait for another toilet visit or two before flushing. If you live in an area where permitted, consider installing a compostable toilet. One type of such toilets are in the public bathrooms at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Keep a bucket in bathroom to collect water when you are running faucet to get hot water. Use this water in your garden.
Keep the faucet off while brushing your teeth. Use a glass to rinse your mouth.

Kitchen

Keep a bowl in sink to catch water. To avoid turning on faucet, use this water to rinse dishes prior to placing in dishwasher. If plain water or you use biodegradable soap pour water on compost pile or use to water plants.
Before you rinse out permanent coffee filter place your counter compost bucket under faucet to save water for compost bin.
Run dishwasher only when full.

Outdoors

Sweep driveways, steps, and walks rather than using a hose or blower.
Water your garden only when needed. Water in the early morning or end of day to decrease evaporation. Consider using a soaker hose. Install rain barrels on your downspouts to conserve water, save money on your sewer/water bills, and decrease stormwater runoof.
Consider using native plants in your garden; once they are established they require less water/maintenance than ornamental plants.
Use 2 inches of mulch around your flower beds and shrubs to maintain an even soil temperature and decrease evaporation. Keep mulch at least 3 inches away from trunk of trees to avoid rodent damage.