 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
In the kitchen, for example, 10 to 20 gallons of water a day can be saved by running the dishwasher only when it is full. If dishes are
washed by hand, water can be saved by filling the sink or a dishpan with water rather than running the water continuously. An open
conventional faucet lets about 5 gallons of water flow every 2 minutes (Florida Commission, 1990).
Water can be saved in the bathroom by turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving. Water can be saved by taking short
showers rather than long showers or baths and turning the water off while soaping. This water savings can be increased even further by
installing low-flow showerheads, as discussed earlier. Toilets should be used only to carry away sanitary waste.
Households with lead-based solder in pipes that flush the first several gallons of water should collect this water for alternative nonpotable
uses (e.g., plant watering).
Water can be saved in the laundry room by adjusting water levels in the washing machine to match the size of the load. If the washing
machine does not have a variable load control, water can be saved by running the machine only when it is full. If washing is done by hand,
the water should not be left running. A laundry tub should be filled with water, and the wash and rinse water should be reused as much as
possible.
Outdoor water use can be reduced by watering the lawn early in the morning or late in the evening and on cooler days, when possible, to
reduce evaporation. Allowing the grass to grow slightly taller will reduce water loss by providing more ground shade for the roots and by
promoting water retention in the soil. Growing plants that are suited to the area ("indigenous" plants) can save more than 50 percent of the
water normally used to care for outdoor plants.
As much as 150 gallons of water can be saved when washing a car by turning the hose off between rinses. The car should be washed
on the lawn if possible to reduce runoff.
Additional savings of water can result from sweeping sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them down. Washing a sidewalk or
driveway with a hose uses about 50 gallons of water every 5 minutes (Florida Commission, 1990). If a home has an outdoor pool, water
can be saved by covering the pool when it is not in use.
Retrofit Programs
Retrofit programs are another tool system operators can use to promote water use efficiency practices. Retrofitting involves the
replacement of existing plumbing equipment with equipment that uses less water. The most successful water-saving fixtures are those
which operate in the same manner as the fixtures they are replacing--for example, toilet tank inserts, shower flow restrictors, and
low-flow showerheads. (For more information, refer to the practices for residential users.) As discussed previously, retrofit programs are
permanent, one-time conservation measures that can be implemented with little or no additional cost over their lifetimes (Jensen, 1991).
A retrofit program can involve the use of education programs to let users know which fixtures are best, where to get them, and how to
install them. System operators can also purchase water-efficient fixtures and resell them at cost to the users, but the most successful
retrofit programs have been those in which the system operator purchases, distributes, and installs the fixtures (AWWA, n.d.).
Retrofit programs have been shown to be cost-effective and useful in conserving water in many cases. An apartment building in New
England with 151 units was retrofitted with low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators at a cost of $1,074. As a result of the retrofit
1,725,000 gallons of water, $8,590 for energy, and $980 for water were saved in 1 year (AWWA, n.d.). In another retrofit program, the
Lower Colorado River Authority installed low-flow showerheads and toilet dams in an apartment complex and public housing program in
Marble Falls, Texas. Indoor per capita water use was reduced by 21 percent (from 81 to 64 gal/cap/day) in the apartment complex and
was reduced 11 percent (from 102 to 91 gal/cap/day) in the public housing program (Jensen, 1991).
Current use of low-flow toilets throughout Texas could reduce the need to build new water and wastewater treatment plants by 15
percent, resulting in a savings of as much as $3.4 billion during the next 50 years. Residential water and sewer bills could also be reduced
by as much as $200 million over the long term. The Texas Water Development Board estimates that the use of water-efficient plumbing
fixtures should save a typical four-member household 55,800 gallons of water and $627 in reduced water and energy costs per year. The
Board estimates that the use of low-flow fixtures might reduce water use statewide by 805 Mgal/d by the year 2040 (Jensen, 1991).
Retrofit programs can be combined with water audit programs (discussed below) to further improve potential water savings.
Water conservation is an integral part of watershed protection, particularly in arid and drought-stricken areas. In
addition to helping reduce the risk of water shortages, water conservation also provides other important benefits. Water conservation
helps ensure in-stream flows, thereby providing protection for ecosystems, which can become out of balance when demands stress
water resources. Water conservation also helps reduce stress on water supply and wastewater infrastructure making them less prone to
failure. Further, the use of submeters to measure water consumption is a necessary pre-requisite to achieving full-cost and conservation
pricing.
washed by hand, water can be saved by filling the sink or a dishpan with water rather than running the water continuously. An open
conventional faucet lets about 5 gallons of water flow every 2 minutes (Florida Commission, 1990).
Water can be saved in the bathroom by turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving. Water can be saved by taking short
showers rather than long showers or baths and turning the water off while soaping. This water savings can be increased even further by
installing low-flow showerheads, as discussed earlier. Toilets should be used only to carry away sanitary waste.
Households with lead-based solder in pipes that flush the first several gallons of water should collect this water for alternative nonpotable
uses (e.g., plant watering).
Water can be saved in the laundry room by adjusting water levels in the washing machine to match the size of the load. If the washing
machine does not have a variable load control, water can be saved by running the machine only when it is full. If washing is done by hand,
the water should not be left running. A laundry tub should be filled with water, and the wash and rinse water should be reused as much as
possible.
Outdoor water use can be reduced by watering the lawn early in the morning or late in the evening and on cooler days, when possible, to
reduce evaporation. Allowing the grass to grow slightly taller will reduce water loss by providing more ground shade for the roots and by
promoting water retention in the soil. Growing plants that are suited to the area ("indigenous" plants) can save more than 50 percent of the
water normally used to care for outdoor plants.
As much as 150 gallons of water can be saved when washing a car by turning the hose off between rinses. The car should be washed
on the lawn if possible to reduce runoff.
Additional savings of water can result from sweeping sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them down. Washing a sidewalk or
driveway with a hose uses about 50 gallons of water every 5 minutes (Florida Commission, 1990). If a home has an outdoor pool, water
can be saved by covering the pool when it is not in use.
Retrofit Programs
Retrofit programs are another tool system operators can use to promote water use efficiency practices. Retrofitting involves the
replacement of existing plumbing equipment with equipment that uses less water. The most successful water-saving fixtures are those
which operate in the same manner as the fixtures they are replacing--for example, toilet tank inserts, shower flow restrictors, and
low-flow showerheads. (For more information, refer to the practices for residential users.) As discussed previously, retrofit programs are
permanent, one-time conservation measures that can be implemented with little or no additional cost over their lifetimes (Jensen, 1991).
A retrofit program can involve the use of education programs to let users know which fixtures are best, where to get them, and how to
install them. System operators can also purchase water-efficient fixtures and resell them at cost to the users, but the most successful
retrofit programs have been those in which the system operator purchases, distributes, and installs the fixtures (AWWA, n.d.).
Retrofit programs have been shown to be cost-effective and useful in conserving water in many cases. An apartment building in New
England with 151 units was retrofitted with low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators at a cost of $1,074. As a result of the retrofit
1,725,000 gallons of water, $8,590 for energy, and $980 for water were saved in 1 year (AWWA, n.d.). In another retrofit program, the
Lower Colorado River Authority installed low-flow showerheads and toilet dams in an apartment complex and public housing program in
Marble Falls, Texas. Indoor per capita water use was reduced by 21 percent (from 81 to 64 gal/cap/day) in the apartment complex and
was reduced 11 percent (from 102 to 91 gal/cap/day) in the public housing program (Jensen, 1991).
Current use of low-flow toilets throughout Texas could reduce the need to build new water and wastewater treatment plants by 15
percent, resulting in a savings of as much as $3.4 billion during the next 50 years. Residential water and sewer bills could also be reduced
by as much as $200 million over the long term. The Texas Water Development Board estimates that the use of water-efficient plumbing
fixtures should save a typical four-member household 55,800 gallons of water and $627 in reduced water and energy costs per year. The
Board estimates that the use of low-flow fixtures might reduce water use statewide by 805 Mgal/d by the year 2040 (Jensen, 1991).
Retrofit programs can be combined with water audit programs (discussed below) to further improve potential water savings.
Water conservation is an integral part of watershed protection, particularly in arid and drought-stricken areas. In
addition to helping reduce the risk of water shortages, water conservation also provides other important benefits. Water conservation
helps ensure in-stream flows, thereby providing protection for ecosystems, which can become out of balance when demands stress
water resources. Water conservation also helps reduce stress on water supply and wastewater infrastructure making them less prone to
failure. Further, the use of submeters to measure water consumption is a necessary pre-requisite to achieving full-cost and conservation
pricing.
ABOUT
UTILITY BILLING
UTILITY BILLING
“the most Comprehensive
place for information about
Apartment Utility billing on
the Web.....
place for information about
Apartment Utility billing on
the Web.....
Behavioral practices involve changing water use habits so that water is used more efficiently, thus reducing the overall
water consumption in a home. These practices require a change in behavior, not modifications in the existing plumbing
or fixtures in a home. Behavioral practices for residential water users can be applied both indoors in the kitchen,
bathroom, and laundry room and outdoors, all helping to lower utility bills.
water consumption in a home. These practices require a change in behavior, not modifications in the existing plumbing
or fixtures in a home. Behavioral practices for residential water users can be applied both indoors in the kitchen,
bathroom, and laundry room and outdoors, all helping to lower utility bills.
Learn How to Conserve Water
Fix the Drip
Consider the fact that a leaky faucet can can waste up to 74 gallons a day and a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day. We each use about 100 gallons of water a
day. Consumption has risen 200 percent since 1950. With these facts in mind, it is easy to see that more than 36 states are going to face water shortages in the next six
years. So, think of water as one of our precious natural resources that should be used with care. Fix those leaking toilets and faucets and conserve as much as possible.
Consider the fact that a leaky faucet can can waste up to 74 gallons a day and a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day. We each use about 100 gallons of water a
day. Consumption has risen 200 percent since 1950. With these facts in mind, it is easy to see that more than 36 states are going to face water shortages in the next six
years. So, think of water as one of our precious natural resources that should be used with care. Fix those leaking toilets and faucets and conserve as much as possible.
10 Water Conservation Tips
1. Use low-flow devices at the tap to decrease usage by
50%
2. Consider replacing toilets with low-flow commodes
that use 40% less water.
3. Don't let water run while washing dishes, thawing
foods or scrubbing vegetables.
4. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drinking
water instead of running the faucet till it gets cold.
5. Wash your car at the car wash. Many car washes
recycle their water now.
6. Fix drips. One dripping faucet wastes more water in
a day than one person can drink in a week.
7. Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing
machine.
8. Sweep sidewalks rather than rinsing them with the
hose.
9. Save rainwater for outdoor plant watering.
10. Use 1 glass of water for brushing teeth, instead of
letting the water run the whole time.
1. Use low-flow devices at the tap to decrease usage by
50%
2. Consider replacing toilets with low-flow commodes
that use 40% less water.
3. Don't let water run while washing dishes, thawing
foods or scrubbing vegetables.
4. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drinking
water instead of running the faucet till it gets cold.
5. Wash your car at the car wash. Many car washes
recycle their water now.
6. Fix drips. One dripping faucet wastes more water in
a day than one person can drink in a week.
7. Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing
machine.
8. Sweep sidewalks rather than rinsing them with the
hose.
9. Save rainwater for outdoor plant watering.
10. Use 1 glass of water for brushing teeth, instead of
letting the water run the whole time.
Why Conserve Water in Georgia?
With the recent drought conditions in Georgia and without a plan for future water conservation,
the fear is that Georgia will not be able to meet its water demands of the future. Water users in
Georgia and throughout the United States have been successful with water conservation
initiatives. Reducing water use, waste, and loss can provide many benefits:
A successful water conservation program can reduce taxes and cut production costs. The
Clayton County Water Authority has implemented a water-conserving leak detection and repair
program. It resulted in saving of $9.00 for every $1.00 invested.
Water conservation can save water resources for future generations. The last few years have
seen a surge in population centered in the southeast part of the United States. As population
increased the groundwater withdrawals increased, causing fresh water and saltwater to mix
together on the coast. Savannah, located on the southeastern coast, has seen their reduction
of groundwater. They save 3.8 million gallons a day through a water-conserving, toilet rebate
and educational programs for the residents of the city.
Water conservation can protect water quality and the environment. Increasing surface water
withdrawals decreases stream levels and current. A reduced stream current cannot effectively
wash away waste and organic pollutants that can harm humans and cause environmental
issues. The Metro North Georgia Water Planning District's 11 conservation measures were
enacted, to help keep the stream flows at levels needed to assimilate waste.
Water conservation can expand the life of existing supplies. Developing new water sources
are increasing annually due in part from the large increase in population. Athens/Clarke County,
GA, hired a full-time staff to start a water conservation plan in an effort to extend the life of
their current water supplies.
60 % of all household water usage is in the summer month period. The majority is mainly used
outdoors for landscape, car wash and home maintenance. Water conservation is the "beneficial
reduction in water use, waste, and loss" and is proven to be the most economical and
environmentally protective means of meeting the challenges of water supply management.
Water conservation methods will help save water, time, and money year round, not just in the
summer months.
Save Your Plants
• Established lawns require only about one inch of water every week.
• To much watering causes shallow root growth, which encourages grass to lose its ability
to survive drought conditions.
Save Your Pocketbook
• With the raising water rates, watering your lawn is more expensive.
• Water utility companies are beginning to put in place conservation rate structures
throughout the state of Georgia.
Save Your Environment
• High water demand increases the need to use more water be withdrawn from natural
sources. ie: lakes, rivers and streams.
• By conserving our water needs, we can leave more water in nature to help protect
wildlife and to wash away pollutants that threaten human and environmental health.
With the recent drought conditions in Georgia and without a plan for future water conservation,
the fear is that Georgia will not be able to meet its water demands of the future. Water users in
Georgia and throughout the United States have been successful with water conservation
initiatives. Reducing water use, waste, and loss can provide many benefits:
A successful water conservation program can reduce taxes and cut production costs. The
Clayton County Water Authority has implemented a water-conserving leak detection and repair
program. It resulted in saving of $9.00 for every $1.00 invested.
Water conservation can save water resources for future generations. The last few years have
seen a surge in population centered in the southeast part of the United States. As population
increased the groundwater withdrawals increased, causing fresh water and saltwater to mix
together on the coast. Savannah, located on the southeastern coast, has seen their reduction
of groundwater. They save 3.8 million gallons a day through a water-conserving, toilet rebate
and educational programs for the residents of the city.
Water conservation can protect water quality and the environment. Increasing surface water
withdrawals decreases stream levels and current. A reduced stream current cannot effectively
wash away waste and organic pollutants that can harm humans and cause environmental
issues. The Metro North Georgia Water Planning District's 11 conservation measures were
enacted, to help keep the stream flows at levels needed to assimilate waste.
Water conservation can expand the life of existing supplies. Developing new water sources
are increasing annually due in part from the large increase in population. Athens/Clarke County,
GA, hired a full-time staff to start a water conservation plan in an effort to extend the life of
their current water supplies.
60 % of all household water usage is in the summer month period. The majority is mainly used
outdoors for landscape, car wash and home maintenance. Water conservation is the "beneficial
reduction in water use, waste, and loss" and is proven to be the most economical and
environmentally protective means of meeting the challenges of water supply management.
Water conservation methods will help save water, time, and money year round, not just in the
summer months.
Save Your Plants
• Established lawns require only about one inch of water every week.
• To much watering causes shallow root growth, which encourages grass to lose its ability
to survive drought conditions.
Save Your Pocketbook
• With the raising water rates, watering your lawn is more expensive.
• Water utility companies are beginning to put in place conservation rate structures
throughout the state of Georgia.
Save Your Environment
• High water demand increases the need to use more water be withdrawn from natural
sources. ie: lakes, rivers and streams.
• By conserving our water needs, we can leave more water in nature to help protect
wildlife and to wash away pollutants that threaten human and environmental health.