Be WaterWise
Water Conservation is very important. Not only is it the environmentally responsible thing to do, but it also helps to lower your monthly water bills.
Below are some simple ways that you can conserve water and protect water quality:
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Limit lawn watering to 2-3 times per week - Most Indiana lawns only need watering 2-3 times per week. Watering lawns and other plants too much results in shallow roots, weed growth, fungus and stormwater runoff that can impact local streams. New lawns do require more frequent watering.
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Water lawns and other plants early - 4 to 7 a.m. is the best time to water lawns and other plants in order to reduce evaporation. Watering at midday results in as much as 30 percent water loss due to evaporation.
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Everyone can protect water quality - Please use phosphorus-free fertilizer on your lawn. Phosphorus fertilizer runoff is causing increased algae growth in area reservoirs that causes taste and odor problems in our drinking water as well as skin irritation for swimmers. For more lawn management and water quality tips, go to www.clearchoicescleanwater.org.
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Use the garden hose properly - Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them off. Check your garden hose connections for leaks. If your hose connection leaks at the spigot or at a connection with another hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and tighten the connection.
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Check for leaks in your plumbing to save water and money - Regularly check your toilet, faucets and pipes for leaks. Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak somewhere.
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Ensure appliances are full - Only run the dishwasher and clothes washers when they are full, and use a water-saver cycle if you have one.
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Consider buying water-saving appliances and devices - Look for the U.S. EPA's Water Sense and Energy Star labels when buying dishwashers and clothes washers. Use water-saving showerheads, toilets and faucet aerators. These labels indicate appliances and plumbing fixtures that save water or energy.
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Reduce water use in the bathroom and kitchen - Don't leave the water running as you brush your teeth, shave or wash dishes. Take shorter showers.
