Water Resources

Water Resources
Leon County has made water-efficiency retrofits in several County buildings, including the installation of low-flow toilets and faucets. We even capture rain water for irrigation at our Leon County Sustainable Demonstration Center!

Why conserve water?

Water is a finite resource necessary for life, and the world’s supply of freshwater is dwindling. Practice water conservation by using water efficiently and avoiding wasteful tendencies. Having good water-conserving habits doesn’t just save the good stuff – it saves you money on your utility bill!

Fun Fact:

Taste the Tap

Bottled water is 2,000 times more costly than tap water, and tap water is actually safer and more regulated! So save unnecessary waste from plastic bottles (and money) and fill a reusable water bottle with tap water instead.

Ways to Conserve at Home

KITCHEN

  • Don’t let the faucet run. Turn off water while washing your hands or dishes.
  • When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink with soapy water and wash all the dishes at once. Washing and rinsing each plate individually uses more water than a dishwasher.
  • If you use a dishwasher, only run it when you have a full load of dishes. Running half loads is wasteful and expensive.
  • If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing your dishes before loading. Newer dishwashers clean more thoroughly than older ones.
  • Wash your vegetables and fruits in a bowl of water instead of running water from the tap.
  • Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator instead.
  • If you have excess water that needs to be poured out, don’t put it down the drain. Give it to thirsty house plants, or pour it outside in the grass.
  • Avoid using the garbage disposal. Compost food instead, and save gallons of water.
  • Install all sink faucets with aerators with flow restrictors. This can reduce water consumption as much as 50%. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/WaterSense/products/bathroom_sink_faucets.html or eartheasy.com/live_lowflow_aerators.htm

BATHROOM

  • Drop tissues in the trash instead of flushing them (same goes for bugs, if you find any).This saves massive amounts of water.
  • Take showers instead of baths. A full bathtub can use up to 70 gallons of water.
  • While waiting for hot water, collect running water and use it to water your plants, or fill up a pitcher of drinking water to chill in the fridge.
  • Listen for a leaky toilet – it can waste gallons a day.
  • Check faucets and pipes to make sure there are no leaks.
  • Turn off running water while washing your hands and brushing your teeth.
  • Consider buying a low-flow toilet that uses significantly less water.
  • If you reduce your shower time to under 5 minutes, you can save up to 1,000 gallons per month!

LAUNDRY

  • Only wash full loads.
  • Save energy and money by washing with cold water.
  • When it’s time to buy a new washer, look for water-saving models, like Energy Star.

Resources

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