Brad's Real Estate Blog

As many of you know, we live in a desert and we must all conserve water, local water Utilities have been encouraging local residents to try to be conservative in our water and utility usage. We have been getting an increase in rain lately due to the monsoon but we are still far below where we should be at this point in the year. We should conserve water so that our water usage will not have to be restricted. I have been encouraging you to try to save in any way you can. I tried to find a way to see how I can help spread the word about water conservation. I have found these tips on how we can save water.

INSIDE WATER SAVING TIPS

1. Check all toilets for leaks. Leaks into the overflow pipe and through the flush valve are the most common and wasteful.
2. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers.
3. Don't let water run continuously while shaving or washing your face.
4. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin.
5. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
6. Install energy efficient shower heads. You will save on energy, water and sewer bills if the new shower head reduces the flow to less than two gallons per minute.
7. Install aerators with flow restrictors on faucets. New replacement faucets should have aerators and flow restrictors built-in.
8. Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or properly set the water level for the size of the load you are washing.
9. Hand wash dishes wisely. Wash dishes in soapy water in one sink and rinse in clear water in the other sink.
10. Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cool glass of water.
11. Insulate water pipes. You will get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

OUTSIDE WATER SAVING TIPS

1. Don't over water your lawn.
2. Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces loss from evaporation.
3. Position sprinklers so that the water lands on the lawn and shrubs, not on the street, driveway or sidewalk.
4. Install sprinklers that are the most water-efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water-efficient methods of irrigation.
5. Regularly check sprinkler systems and timing devices to be sure they are operating properly.
6. Avoid overfertilizing the lawn. The application of fertilizers increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
7. Mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulching also helps to control weeds that compete with plants for water.
8. Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A lawn cut higher encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
9. Use a broom to clean driveway or sidewalks. Using a hose to clean a driveway can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
10. Outfit the hose with a shut-off nozzle which can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.
11. Use hose washers between spigots and water hoses to avoid leaks.
12. Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended.
13. Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly.

I hope these tips have been helpful for you. Don't think that you are just one person because everyone making small changes can equate to big changes for all of us. We can all work together to help us make it through these hot, dry days!