Water Conservation Plan (pdf↗)

Ways to Conserve Our Water

Water conservation just makes good sense. Our existing water comes from a water sources such as deep wells, and developed springs. New water is found by adding a new well or upgrading an existing well. New water can cost a lot of money, so it makes sense to make the most out of our existing water. The Water Division has received many calls from residents regarding high water bills. Most problems are linked to either a leaking toilet or a water softener. Both can waste a lot of water, and unfortunately, you don't see the water because it goes down the drain. Here are some of the things you can check or do to save water.

Indoor Water Usage

Toilet:First, lift the tank lid and look to see if any water is running down the over flow tube. If it is, make the necessary adjustments. There is usually a mark inside the tank that shows where the water level should be. The second test is to see if the water is leaking down into the bowl. How can you do this? City residents can pick up some dye, free of charge while the supply lasts, at either City Hall or the Public Works Department. Lift your tank lid and add either the dye or some food coloring. Then wait for a few minutes. If the dye appears in the bowl, replace the flapper in the bottom of the tank. If you use a toilet dye disinfectant you will need to wait until it has been used before you run this test. Also don't use your toilet for an ashtray or a wastebasket. Every time you flush a toilet it uses between 1.5 to 5 gallons of water.

Water Softener:Check the recharge cycle to make sure that it is not running too long, or it is not stuck on and just running down the drain.

Showers:Take shorter showers. Long, hot showers waste five to ten gallons of water every unneeded minute. You can also change your shower head and install a water saving shower head. Most hardware stores carry them and they are easy to install.

Shaving or Brushing your Teeth:Fill the basin with water while shaving so the water doesn't have to run. When brushing your teeth fill a cup, or only have the water run while you are rinsing your toothbrush.

Leaks:Make repairs to a leaky tap as soon as possible.

Washing Dishes:Run the dishwasher only when there is a full load. Every time you run the dishwasher, it takes about 25-gallons of water. If you wash your dishes by hand don't let the water run. Don't let water run at all if possible. When washing fruit and vegetables, you can serve the same purpose by putting a stopper in the sink and filling the sink with clean water. Keep a bottle of drinking water in your refrigerator. This will eliminate the wasteful practice of running tap water to cool it off for a drink.

Outdoor Water Usage

Put your lawn on a diet by reducing the number of days you water. Instead of watering 10 minutes every day, water 15 minutes every other day. Water your lawn during nighttime hours between 8 pm and 8 am. Use a soil probe or screwdriver to determine whether the soil is dry and needs watering. Turn off your automatic controller when it rains. Fix leaks as soon as possible. Don't let the water run off your yard and into the gutter. Only water when you need to. Don't hose off your driveway, use a broom. Put a good layer of mulch around trees and plants. Don't let your hose run while you are washing your car. Blow your snow onto your grass areas so it will absorb into the ground water and not end up in Great Salt Lake.