Tips for Stretching Our Water Use

• Pay attention to our regional water supply, be aware of rain fall and current ground water deficits

• Change watering habits –take the time to hold the hose, better for observing plant conditions (you notice more when you take the time to study it up close)

• Water less frequently, mulch heavier, amend the soil with rich organics first

• Choose rugged plants, spare the delicates for small detail areas, not the entire front lawn

• Spread the word to help neighbors and others in community take water use seriously

• Use rain barrels to capture water from downspouts to use as a complementary watering method.

• Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Saves 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.

• Don't run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end. Saves 150 gallons each time. For a two-car family that's up to 1,200 gallons a month.

• Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors. Saves 500 to 800 gallons per month.

• Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. Saves 300 to 800 gallons per month.

• Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Saves 150 gallons or more each time. At once a week, that's more than 600 gallons a month.

• Don't use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. Saves 400 to 600 gallons per month.

• Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants or your garden. Saves 200 to 300 gallons per month.

• Don't water the sidewalks, driveway or gutter. Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs--and only there. Saves 500 gallons per month.