Water Conservation Tips

Massapequa Water District Recommends Water-Efficient Home Plumbing Products to Cut Water Costs

Nobody likes a high water bill. So the Massapequa Water District reminds customers that other than closely monitoring the amount of water you use, the best way to save money is to use water-efficient home plumbing products, including aerated shower heads, energy-efficient clothes washers, and 1.6 gallon per-flush toilets. By using these products in the home, residents will lower water costs.

According to a report issued by the American Water Works Association, the use of water-efficient plumbing across the nation would decrease the amount of water used by 3.5 billion gallons per day. “It’s amazing how much water we can save by using the proper plumbing fixtures,” stated Superintendent Stan Carey. “If any of our residents are concerned about high water bills, they may want to look into the plumbing mechanisms they currently use in their homes. We welcome phone calls from residents interested in learning more about saving money and water by using more efficient plumbing equipment.”

The report released by AWWA also projects that reducing the amount of water nationally by 3.5 billion gallons per day, would result in smaller operating and maintenance costs at local water utilities. When you combine the water reduction with energy savings from conservation, communities could save a significant amount of money.

Indoors

• Take shorter showers.
• Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Wash only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
• Fix faucet and toilet leaks.

Outdoors

• Water your lawn only when it needs it.
  A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need water. If it stays flat, fetch the sprinkler.
• Deep-soak your lawn.
  When you do water, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems.
• Don’t cut your lawn too low.
  Keeping the length of your lawn around 2 or 2 inches will help reduce evaporation. When you have finished mowing, leave the clippings on the lawn to boost water retention and help the grass grow thicker.
• Water during the cool parts of the day.
  Early morning generally is better than dusk since it helps prevent growth of fungus.
• Follow Nassau County Water Ordinances.
  Follow the odd / even day watering regulations. No watering is permitted between 10 am and 4 pm. Install smart irrigation controllers and rain sensors on irrigation systems.
• Don’t water the driveway or street.
  Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not paved areas. Also avoid watering on windy days.
• Plant drought-resistant trees and plants.
  Many beautiful trees and plants thrive with far less watering than other species.
• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants.
  Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture and discourage weed growth, too.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets, and couplings.
  Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they’re not as visible, but they can be just as wasteful as leaks inside. Check frequently and keep them drip-free.

Conservation Links:

https://www.improvenet.com/a/water-conservation-at-home
https://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/water-conservation-epa