WATER CONSERVATION INSIDE THE HOME


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Recommended Methods for Storm Water Protection

Water Conservation Inside the Home

It would be unwise for Utahns to take drinking water for granted. As our population increases so does the demand for water resources, treatment plants, and water delivery systems. Conservation is no longer just a good idea; it is absolutely necessary for the future success of our state. 
 

Some things to think about:

A bath may use up to 70 gallons of water.

If your shower head was installed before 1992 it may spray as much as 5 gallons per minute.

Typically, the highest water consuming device in the home is the toilet.

Top things to do inside the home:

  • Install low flow shower heads, toilets, and sink aerators.
  • Repair all leaks.
  • Use water only when necessary.
  • Install new appliances that use less water.
  • Monitor water bill for usage and to detect leaks.

Water use for a 10-minute shower at 5 gallons/minute is 50 gallons. A water conservative 5-minue shower at 2.5 gallons/minute is 12.5 gallons, a water saving of 37.5 gallons per shower!

The Toilet

Inside the home, most of the water used goes down the toilet. If your toilet was installed before 1992 it may use up to 5 gallons per flush. Low flow toilets require less than 1.6 gallons per flush.

  • Put a plastic bottle filled with water or sand inside the toilet tank to lower the water required to fill the tank. Experiment with the water level that works best for your toilet.
  • Put food coloring in the tank and if the color appears in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak in your toilet.
  • Do not use caustic cleaners because they can damage the plastic and rubber components of the toilet and cause leaks. Contact your local hardware store for repair information.
  • Don't use the toilet as a garbage can.

The Kitchen

The number one way to save water in the kitchen is to simply find creative ways to not have to do so many dishes! Have you ever asked yourself why are there always so many dishes to do?

Consider this - If every member of a 4-person household drank the recommended 8 glasses of water per day and used a different glass for everyone, it would add up to 32 glasses to wash!

  • Use only one glass a day per person for water. Try using a different color cup for every household member to keep them from getting mixed up.
  • If you wash dishes by hand, fill one basin with clean water for rinsing instead of running the water. Fill a smaller basin or pot with the soapy water.
  • Scrape food from dishes into the garbage can or compost instead of using the disposal. Do not run your dishwasher or clothes washer unless it is full.
  • Teach your children water saving techniques and educate them about the importance of water

Spill Response

Dial 911

-or-

Washington Terrace Public Works Department
(801) 395-8289

-or-

Weber-Morgan Health Department
Daytime: (801) 399-7160
24-Hour: (801-399-7169)

 

Find Used Oil Recyclers Near You

Call 1-800-458-0145
-or-
Visit Utah DEQ Website

Additional Storm Water Protection Information:

 

 

This information is modified by Washington Terrace City, from brochures created by the Salt Lake County Engineering Division.