August 2008 Newsletter
Water Conservation Tips
Courtesy of United Water Conservation, Inc. Contact Victor Lucas at 305.825.9252
1. Never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or cleaning.
2. Verify that your apartment home is leak-free. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.
3. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year which will add to the cost of water and sewer utilities and strain the septic system.
4. Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear within 30 minutes. Flush as soon as test is done, since food coloring may stain tank. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded, or bent parts. Most replacement parts are easily installed.
5. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
6. Take shorter showers.
7. Use the minimum amount needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only 1/3 full. Stopper tub before turning on the water. Adding hot water later will warm the initial burst of cold water.
8. Don’t let water run while shaving, washing your face, or brushing your teeth.
9. Operate automatic dishwashers and clothing washing machines only when they are fully loaded or properly set the water level for the size of load you are using.
10. When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.
11. Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cool glass of water.
12. Use the sink disposal sparingly and never just for a few scraps.
13. Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.
14. When cleaning vegetables, fill a pan with cold water rather than letting the faucet run.
15. When cooking use less water in the pot and keep a lid on it to prevent evaporation.
16. When adjusting water temperatures, instead of turning water flow up, try turning it down. If the water is too hot or too cold, turn the offender down rather than increasing water flow to balance temperatures.
17. If the toilet flush handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, call our management so that we may adjust or replace it.
18. Use cold water as often as possible to save energy and to conserve hot water for uses which cold water cannot serve.
19. Create an awareness of the need for water conservation among your children. Avoid the purchase of recreational toys that require a constant stream of water.
20. Be aware of and follow all water conservation and shortage rules and restrictions that may be in effect in your area.
21. Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, spouting sprinkler heads, etc.) to the management office.
Every drip counts. And every person can make a difference. So tell your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to “Turn it off” and “Keep it off”!
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