As we enter the final stretch of summer, water conservation remains a top priority. As flows decrease in the Elwha River, the City’s primary water supply, practicing mindful water usage is essential. Below are tips and strategies that will help you to conserve water during the late summer months and all year long.
Home Improvements and Incentives:
- Repair water leaks. If your faucet is leaking at a rate of one drop per second, you can waste 75 gallons or more each week.
- Install low-flow shower heads and faucets that are available free upon request from City Hall.
- Replace older toilets with low-flush models. Pre-1980s toilets use between 4.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush.
- Collect a rebate for installing water-efficient toilets, rain barrels, watering timers, and soil moisture meters.
Mindful Indoor Habits:
- Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when full.
- Rinse batches of dishes, rather than one at a time, or fill a sink with clean water to use for rinsing.
- If you must take a bath (as opposed to showering), draw shallow baths. A few less inches of water saves gallons.
- Don’t let water run while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Lawn and Vehicle Care:
- Limit lawn watering to early mornings or evenings.
- Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn, which will increase the need for water.
- When washing your car, fill a bucket with warm soapy water, wash with a sponge, and use the hose only for a quick final rinse.
By implementing these simple water-saving practices, you can help to safeguard our community’s water supply. Let’s work together to conserve water and ensure a sustainable future for our City.
To learn more about water conservation and rebates, please visit our Water Conservation webpage or contact the Public Works & Utilities Department at (360) 417-4715.