What can you do to save water?

Here in the desert, it is especially important to conserve our water supply. Even though our community only receives seven inches of rainfall a year, we use the equivalent of 36 inches of water every year.

This means that conserving our water supply is up to each of us. As residents of the Sonoran desert, there are many ways you can help to conserve water supplies and protect the diversity and quality of life in the desert environment.

Inside

  • Fix leaky faucets throughout your home. It's simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons of water a week.
  • Replace standard showerheads and faucets with low-volume heads.
  • Fill a plastic one-quart bottle with gravel and water and place in the toilet tank. This will save five or more gallons per day for a family of four.
  • Run full loads in dishwasher and washing machine.
  • Take showers instead of baths; restrict showers to five minutes.
  • Don't let the water run while shaving or brushing your teeth.

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Outside

  • Consider desert landscaping and plants that require less water. If you have a lawn, consider using Bermuda grass which requires less water than other grasses.
  • Broom compared to 80 gallons of water Water your lawn only every three days during warmer months. Water during the coolest time of the day to minimize evaporation.
  • Maintain evaporative coolers to ensure efficient operation.
  • Install a recirculating pump on your evaporative cooler to reduce water consumption.
  • Clean patios and driveways with a broom, not a hose.
  • Use mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.

Visit the Water Use It Wisely Web site for more ways to save water at home.

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