By Town Crier Staff Report

There are many ways to conserve significant amounts of water inside and outside the home, and doing so makes sense because it lowers water and sewer bills, extends the water supply and helps the environment. Homeowners can take some simple steps to help preserve this precious resource.

Your water-delivery system

Effective water conservation requires awareness, involvement and education. To understand your water-delivery system, know the following:

The name and location of the company that provides your water, as well as contact information for the company’s chief executive and public education/public relations officials

Who the water-policy decision-makers are in your municipality or area, how they are selected (elected or appointed) and the length of their terms of office

How water-use policies and rates are set and modified, including names and contact information for officials

When and where announcements of public water-policy meetings are published (newspapers) or posted (office and/or Web sites)

The source(s) of water used within the system (e.g., lakes, streams, ground water or aquifer) and how to track stability and quality of supply

The water supplier’s contingency plans in case of supply shortage or interruption due to an act of nature (e.g., flood, drought or earthquake) or mechanical pumping or filtration system

The rate structure for residential, commercial or industrial water use, with possible seasonal modifications (Note: Water-use billings may or may not include sewage-treatment fees, or they may be linked to potable water volume.)

The location of the on-site water meter and how to read it and calculate the quantity of water used between readings

Indoor water conservation

Repair all water leaks immediately; be especially alert for leaks in toilets and faucets.

Install and maintain ultra-low flow toilets. Alternatively, convert existing toilets to low-flow units with a tank dam or even bricks.

Install and maintain flow restrictors (aerators) on faucets.

Install and maintain low-flow shower heads.

Limit showering time to five minutes.

Do not use toilets as waste baskets or ashtrays.

Turn off water when shaving and brushing teeth.

Scrape food off dishes without water prior to rinsing.

Operate the dishwasher only when it is fully loaded.

Operate the clothes washer only when it is loaded to maximum capacity.

Rather than run the tap for cool drinking water, keep a filled container in the refrigerator.

While waiting for running water to warm or cool, capture the flow for use in cleaning or on plants.

Outdoor water conservation

Cover pools, spas and other water features when not in use, to minimize evaporation.

Clean sidewalks, driveways and patios by sweeping rather than by spraying with a hose.

Wash cars with a bucket of water rather than a running hose. If possible, drive your vehicle onto the lawn so that all of the water can be absorbed into the landscape.

Restrict or eliminate use of hose-end water toys. If possible, combine use of water for play with landscape needs.

Properly prune or trim trees, shrubs and other woody plants to maximize the plants’ health and minimize invasion by pests.

Frequently remove dead or dying plants and all weeds that compete for available water.

Apply fertilizers or pesticides at minimal levels.

Maintain sharp blades on pruning shears and lawn mowers.

Aerate the lawn and cultivate planting beds periodically.

Mulch flower and garden areas as well as tree and shrub bases, as appropriate for each species.

Use recycled or nonpotable water to the greatest extent possible.

Employ a certified landscape-irrigation auditor at least once every five years to conduct a thorough and comprehensive check.

At least once a year, confirm that all irrigation systems are distributing water uniformly and inspect, repair and/or adjust in-ground or drip watering systems.

Use a water timer or flow meter for hose-end watering to ensure proper amounts are applied.

Immediately shut off systems and adjust whenever irrigation water falls or runs onto hard surfaces such as sidewalks, streets or driveways.

Repair all water leaks as soon as detected.

When buying plants, select those that have scientifically documented low water requirements.

Determine specific water requirements for all existing landscape plants.

Adjust controllers for in-ground or drip watering systems according to seasonal needs of plants.

Water landscape plants only when necessary, according to the needs of each plant type.

Water early in the morning, when temperatures and winds are at their lowest levels, to reduce evaporation.

Water all plants deeply but infrequently to encourage deeper, healthier rooting.

The preceding checklist has been excerpted from “Water Right: Conserving Our Water, Preserving Our Environment,” a book now being finalized for publication by the International Turf Producers Foundation. The complete book will soon be viewable and downloadable at www.TurfGrassSod.org.