Answer Tips for the Northwest
All | Indoor | Outdoor
#1. There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.
#2. When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
#3. Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
#4. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
#5. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
#6. Choose shrubs and groundcovers, instead of turf, for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
#7. Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
#8. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
#9. Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
#10. For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
#11. Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
#12. Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
#13. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
#14. Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
#15. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
#16. If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
#17. Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
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#18. If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
#19. We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
#20. If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
#21. Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist 2 inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
#22. When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
#23. Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
#24. Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
#25. Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
#26. When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
#27. Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
#28. Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
#29. When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
#30. Walkways and patios provide space that doesn't ever need to be watered. These useful "rooms" can also add value to your property.
#31. Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
#32. Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number glasses to wash.
#33. Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
#34. Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.
#35. Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
#36. Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.
#37. Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. Faucet repair can save up to 300 gallons a month.
#38. Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
#39. When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
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#40. Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
#41. Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
#42. Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
#43. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
#44. Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
#45. Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
#46. Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
#47. To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeated two to three times.
#48. Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.
#49. Use a lawer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.
#50. Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.
#51. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation, than those spraying water into the air.
#52. Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
#53. Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
#54. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
#55. Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.
#56. Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
#57. Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.
#58. Set a kitch
