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WaterSmart Conservation
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Follow these steps to measure the output of your irrigation system:
Step 1 Place 5 containers (tuna cans) evenly throughout one zone of your irrigation system
Step 2 Turn on that zone for 15 minutes
Step 3 Pour all five cans of water into a measuring cup.
Step 4 Add the measurements and divide by 5.
Step 5 Multiply the average from step 4 by 4. |
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This is how many inches your system puts out per hour. The approximate rate for a spray head is 2 inches per hour.
Allow time for the water to be absorbed.
Most of our soil is clay or clay mix. This means water is slow to be absorbed into the landscape. Typically short cycles of 6 to 10 minutes is al lthe water the soil can take in without puddling up and running off. More frequent short cycles is the best way to get water to the roots. Allow 20 minutes between run cycles for maximum absorption.
A deep watering, once or twice a week for a total of one inch of water raises hearty drought tolerant plants.
2009 Water Conservation Plan |
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The WaterSmart program started in 2000 to educate and encourage customers to use less water all year. |
10 WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER (A printable PDF version)
In the Kitchen
1. Only run the dishwasher when it's full and necessary. Use the 'short' cycle if your machine has that option.
2. Take a break from dishes on the weekend - use paper products instead.
3. Don't use the garbage disposal; toss scraps in the garbage bin instead.
4. Rinse produce with a bowl of water rather than running the faucet. Use leftover water for plants.
In the Bathroom 5. Put timers in your family bathrooms to encourage shorter showers. Reducing your time in the shower by one minute will save hundreds of gallons per household each month.
6. Replace older shower heads with new low-flow models.
7. Only flush the toilet when necessary.
8. Place a bucket in the shower to collect water while it heats up. Use the water on plants or to flush the toilet.
9. Running water faucets use 2-3 gallons per minute. Men should consider using an electric shaver or turning off the water while they shave.
10. Put some food dye in the back of the toilet tank. If the dye appears in the toilet bowl within 15 minutes, your toilet is leaking and should be fixed.
Additional Tips - Indoor Watering Tips Outdoor Watering Tips
BE A WATER STAR AND WIN! WaterSmart Award Application (PDF). We all know saving water is a great thing to do for the environment. But now it's good for bragging rights, too. Because every drop you save could make you a winner. Share your innovative water-saving techniques with us and you may be rewarded with a gift package.
Click here to nominate someone or see tips from previous winners! |
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TAKE THE TEST, GET FREE STUFF. (back to top)
Home Water Use Audit (pdf) Customers can now conduct a self audit of their home water use and receive a free water conservation kit.
The Home Water Audit, available from Utilities, includes step - by - step instructions on how to measure the amount of water used and identifies areas for improvement. |
There is also a section to evaluate water use in the landscape.
The free water conservation kit includes a low flow shower head, faucet aerators, leak detection tablets, plumbers tape and toilet displacement bag. This kit will be mailed to all customers whose returned audit form indicates the need for additional conservation measures.
If you are unable to open or print this version of the audit (pdf), please call 704-399-2221 and ask for the Home Water Use Audit. |
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