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Water Conservation Tips & Facts

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CONSERVATION TIPS – CONSERVE TO PRESERVE OUR FUTURE QUALITY OF LIFE!

Tips on Saving Water in the Bathroom

  • Install an ultra low-flow toilet. These use 1.28 gallons of water per flush vs. 3.5 gallons or more. Take advantage of the Bernalillo County High Efficiency Toilet Retro-fit Program and get a free toilet!
  • Install low-flow aerators and shower heads.
  • Repair all water leaks.
  • Take short showers instead of baths.
  • Collect water with a bucket while waiting for the shower water to heat up and use it later for other purposes.
  • Do not leave water running when shaving or brushing your teeth.

Tips on Saving Water in the Kitchen and Laundry

  • Repair plumbing leaks and dripping faucets.
  • Install low-flow aerator on all faucets.
  • Do not leave water running when rinsing dishes.
  • Run only full loads. Remodel with machines that use less water and are more energy efficient.

Tips on Saving Water Outside the House

  • Use a broom, not a hose to clear debris from patios, driveways, steps, and sidewalks.
  • In the summer, water your garden and lawn during the coolest part of the day.
  • Direct downspouts or gutters toward shrubbery or trees. Collect rainwater in a large bucket or take advantage of the Bernalillo County Rain Barrel Program by downloading the application for a reduced cost rain barrel!  The collected rain water can be used for many different outdoor activities!
  • Adjust sprinklers to insure you are not watering the house, sidewalk, or street.  And be sure to shut them off when it is raining.
  • Adjust the automatic sprinklers with the seasons.
  • Xeriscape your yard, utilize the Albuquerque Area Xeriscape Plant List to see which plants work well with our desert climate.

WATER TRIVIA & FACTS

  • The overall amount of water on our planet has remained the same for two billion years.
  • About 39,000 gallons of water is needed to make an automobile.
  • About a billion people lack reliable access to clean water.
  • It takes about 6 gallons of water to grow a single serving of lettuce.
  • More than 2,600 gallons is required to produce a single serving of steak.
  • A normal shower uses approximately 25 gallons of water.
  • Brushing your teeth uses approximately 10 gallons of water. 
  • Tub bath uses approximately 36 gallons of water.
  • Shaving uses approximately 20 gallons of water.
  • Dish washing uses approximately 30 gallons of water (tap running).
  • Automatic dishwasher uses approximately 16 gallons of water per cycle.
  • Washing your hands uses approximately 2 gallons of water.
  • Flushing the toilet uses 5-7 gallons per flush.
  • A normal washing machine cycle uses 60 gallons of water.
  • Outdoor watering uses about 10 gallons per minute.

Did you know the average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, or the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry?  Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons annually nationwide. That’s equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes.  Common types of leaks found in the home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves, all of which are easily corrected.

Utilize the American Water Works Association Drip Calculator to find out how much water is being wasted by a leaky faucet or toilet.

By practicing water conservation measures every day, you’re not only saving water, but it may also help reduce your monthly bill.

FUN WATER CONSERVATION EDUCATIONAL BOOKLETS

Brought to you by the Office of the State Engineer