Water Conservation

Why it’s important to conserve?

Conserving water is among the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for it.  Conservation helps protect Lake Michigan, a valuable resource for many communities along its shores, as well as helps reduce your water and energy bills.

How to conserve water:

1. Repair leaky faucets and pipes in your home immediately. 
2. Modify or replace existing water use fixtures and appliances so that the same purpose is satisfactorily accomplished with less water. Some examples include:
   • Replacing conventional showerheads, which have water delivery rates of 5 to 6 gallons per minute, with low flow showerheads having an average flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute.
   • Replacing conventional faucets, which have a water delivery rate of 4 to 5 gallons per minute, with low flow faucets, which deliver a maximum flow of 2.5 gallons per minute.
   • Installation of dams or other devices in toilet tanks to reduce the amount of water used for flushing. Depending on the device used, a water savings of 1.5 to 2.0 gallons per flush will be realized. New toilets on the market today have shallow traps, which utilize only 3.5 gallons per flush as compared to 5 to 6 gallons with conventional toilets.
   • Use of clothes washers and dishwashers, which are designed to use less water than conventional models. 
   • Installation of pressure reducing valves on your home. This can be completed on new or existing homes. The reduced pressure will result in reduced water usage.
3. Don't let your water run constantly when doing the dishes. 
4. Only water lawns when it needs it.
5. When lawn watering, carefully control the flow of water.  Lawns should be watered in early mornings or late evenings, allowing the water to soak into the ground instead of evaporating from the heat during midday.  Use water efficient sprinklers.
6. Shorten the time it takes for you to shower.
7. Turn water off when brushing your teeth or when shaving.
8. Utilize a rain barrel to save run off to water plants and the lawn.

For more information on water conservation, click the links below.

www.monolake.org/waterconservation
www.wateruseitwisely.com
www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin