McMinnville Water and Light Water Conservation

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Why Conserve Water

Did you know that only 1% of the earth’s water is available for human consumption? Yet the demand for fresh water continues to increase at an alarming pace every year. And because fresh water is so basic to life the competition for it is stiff including big users like industry, agriculture, recreation, sanitation, landscaping and the environment.

The reality is that conserving water is more than just a good idea. It’s critical! Practically speaking however, conserving water saves you money. That’s right, the other kind of green. Because using less water saves energy, reduces your water and sewer bills and can even postpone or eliminate the need to build expensive infrastructure such as wastewater and water treatment plants.

Ensuring a healthy environment and fresh drinking water for future generations requires that we make good decisions today. That’s why conserving water is always the right choice.

How to Conserve Water

But by taking a few simple steps, we can use water more efficiently without changing our lifestyles. The tips below will help you Slow the Flow

Outdoors

Don’t automatically increase water usage when a hot spell hits. Lawns and gardens that have had regular, deep soaks can weather short periods of extreme heat.
Use timers to avoid over watering your yard and garden.
Water early in the morning or later at night to reduce evaporation.
Consider soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system for your vegetable garden, shrubs and flower beds.
Look for sprinkler, hose or faucet leaks and fix them.
Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks or driveways.

Inside

Replace old toilets with new, low-flow models.
Install low flow showerheads which you can receive for free from McMinnville Water & Light.
Look for leaks and fix them. A leaky toilet can consume thousands of gallons of water per month.
Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when you have full loads.
When washing dishes by hand, or when brushing your teeth, do not leave the water running.
Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in a microwave instead of running hot water over the food.
Replace a worn-out clothes washer or dishwasher with a more efficient ENERGY STAR® model.

Together, we share in the benefits of some of the safest drinking water in the world, and it is up to us to protect this valuable natural resource for future generations.