Conserving Water in WestminsterIn order to extend the capacity of the City's water resources, and reduce your water bill in the process, here are some things you can do:
| Inside | |||
Toilets |
check for leaks, replace pre-1992 toilet with modern fixture, upgrade to a high-efficiency model | 1000-5000 gallons/quarter | |
| Showers | install a low-flow unit that uses less than 2 gpm | 400-600 gallons/quarter | |
| Sinks | install faucet aerators that reduce flow while maintaining pressure | 40-60 gallons/quarter | |
| Dishwasher | upgrade to an Energy Star model (model listing) | 8 gallons/cycle | |
| Clothes Washer | upgrade to a Energy Star labeled model (model listing) | 17 gallons/load | |
| Outside | |||
| Irrigation | water only when needed, in morning or evening to limit evaporation, at ground level to limit overspray | 30% savings in outdoor consumption | |
| Drought Tolerance | use plants that are known to be drought-tolerant and/or native, which are adapted to our climate | ||
| Waste | do not water paved surfaces, do not water after a rain, wash your car at a car wash that recycles water |
These measures listed above are all physical changes you can make to your home or property to make it easier to use less water. Ultimately, conservation is most successful when consumers begin considering the most efficient way to use water in every situation. It sounds cliche', but conservation is a state of mind.
Helpful Web Resources
H2OUSE.org- great interactive advice for your entire property
MD Dept. of the Environment- tips for all types of users
Usage Estimates- estimated flow at all points of use in the home
Green Plumbers USA- information for plumbers and consumers on efficient fixtures
WaterSense- thorough resources covering all aspects of water conservation from EPA
Drought Management Information
Click here to view a CBS News Story "Where America Stands" on the importance of water conservation