Town of Haw River
Water
Conservation Tips
Town of Haw River
403 East Main Street
Haw River NC 27258
www.townofhawriver.com
Town of Haw River is now under voluntary water restrictions. While the Town is blessed with an abundant supply of water, we all must do our part in this state-wide drought. You can help make a difference with just a few small adjustments to your daily routine. Below are some simple water saving tips that not only preserve this valuable resource, but also can add up to substantial savings on your water bill!
Indoor Water Saving Tips
· Fill up pitchers with water from the tap and keep them refrigerated to have ice cold water on hand without having to run the tap to get cool water.
· Instead of running water while washing your dishes, fill up one side of your sink with water to wash and the other half with water to rinse.
· Try waiting until your washing machine and dishwashers are full before running them. You could save hundreds of gallons every month!
· Consider replacing your old shower head with a new water-efficient one. You could improve your pressure and use less water.
· Look for the Energy Star when purchasing new appliances and/or check its energy rating to see how efficient it is.
· Try to keep your shower time to under 4 minutes and you could help save over 1,000 gallons a month when compared to the typical user.
· Concerned that you may have a leak in your toilet? Add a couple drops of food coloring to the tank and see if it seeps out. Your leaks will become evident and the repair is a snap.
· Fixing a leaky faucet is a simple and inexpensive way to save over 140 gallons a week.
· Use the right size pot or pan when you boil water for cooking.
· Turn the faucet off when you are brushing your teeth or shaving.
· Old faucets sometimes are missing their aerators. Adding a new one is simple.
Outdoor Water Saving Tips
· While indoor plumbing leaks can be very apparent, the outside can be forgotten sometimes. Remember to periodically check under your home and your outside faucets.
· Help to minimize evaporation by watering in the early morning or late evening.
· Sweep your driveway instead of using a garden hose.
· Do you have a drip irrigation system? Watering at the base of plants can be very effective, but make sure your system is water-efficient.
· Use a commercial carwash that recycles water or make sure your hose has a nozzle on it to save water while you wash.
· If installing a new sprinkler system, choose a system that puts large drops, instead of mist, into the air. This way the water goes into the soil and doesn't evaporate in the air.
· Make sure any outdoor water features are equipped with re-circulating pumps.
· If you have steep slopes on your property, use a soaker hose to help minimize water runoff.
· Remember that cascading fountains evaporate less than water features and fountains that spray into the air.
· Often plants die from over watering rather that under watering. Make sure you are using an appropriate amount.
· Try waiting until your washing machine and dishwashers are full before running them. You could save hundreds of gallons every month!
· If you install a new sprinkler system make sure it uses large drops instead of a fine mist. This prevents water from evaporating in the air before getting into the soil.