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[IMAGE: At the end of September, about 43% of the contiguous United States was in moderate to extreme drought.]Water Conservation in and

Around the House

For many people, water is in short supply. At the end of September 2007, about 43 percent of the contiguous United States was in moderate to extreme drought, according to the National Climate Data Center. The Great Lakes Huron and Michigan are about 2 feet below their average long-term levels. Georgia, Florida, and Alabama are fighting over water in a river basin that feeds all three states.

With this news, PATH revisits ways that we can all conserve water in and around the home. Remember, though, water conservation is not just for times of drought. Conserving water is simple and inexpensive. Using water wisely gives us more flexibility in future water shortages and reduces long-term maintenance costs.

[IMAGE: Fixing leaky faucets and plumbing joints can save up to 20 gallons per day per leak.]Inside

Install low-flow fixtures and ENERGY STAR® appliances everywhere you can. Unhappy with aerators? Laminar flow fixtures are available that significantly reduce water usage without compromising performance.

Fixing leaky faucets and plumbing joints can save up to 20 gallons per day per leak. That's enough water to do a load of laundry (in an ENERGY STAR washer) every day. Use the Water Wiser ® Drip Calculator to find out exactly how much that leak is leaking.

Save Water in the Kitchen

If you have a double sink, fill one sink with rinse water instead of running the faucet continually.

If you use a dishwasher, get an ENERGY STAR model and only wash full loads.

Instead of running the garbage disposal, which uses a lot of water, start a compost pile. You'll save 50-150 gallons per month and create top-notch fertilizer for your garden.



Save Water in the Bathroom [IMAGE: Put that old, water-wasting toilet out to dry.]

Outside

[IMAGE: The best time to water is around dawn.]Save Water in the Lawn and Garden

Plant native species that have evolved to appreciate the local soil and climate conditions. This means less watering (and less weeding) for you.



Save Water in the Driveway

[IMAGE: Teach the kids about water conservation in the home and on-line.] Want to teach the kids about water conservation? Visit the Water Family, the on-line water conservation game.


Further Resources

EPA WaterSense: Efficiency Made Easy

Earth 911 Water Conservation

Down (the drain) with Water-Hogging Bathrooms Builder/Architect September 2007

Content updated on 11/13/2007

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