Marshall Municipal Utilities

Water Conservation

Water is yours for the asking 24 hours a day. All you have to do is turn on a faucet. However, it doesn't magically come from nowhere. It is a carefully processed valuable resource that shouldn't be wasted. Besides, you're paying for every drop whether it's used or wasted. The following tips will help conserve water as well as save you money.

Toilets

Every time a toilet is flushed, about 7 gallons of water goes into the sewer.

• Toilets should not be used as a trash can to flush away tissues, gum wrappers, cigarette butts, spiders, diapers or anything else that ought to go in a waste basket or garbage can. At 7 gallons per flush, this is a phenomenal waste of water.
• Most toilets use more water than is really necessary and work just as well with less. You can use a plastic soap or laundry bottle to displace some of the water. Fill a few with water to weight them and put them in the tank. Caution, don't put the bottles where they will jam the flushing mechanism, and be sure you don't displace so much water that you have to double flush.
• Toilets are notorious for their hidden leaks. They can waste hundreds of gallons a day if not fixed.

Showers

People used to think showers were less wasteful than tub baths, period. That failed to take into consideration the fact that many of us spend 10 or 20 minutes or more in the shower. Since most showers pour out between 5 and 10 gallons per minute, that can add up in a hurry.

Shaving and Toothbrushing

Don't leave the water running. Run as much as you need, then turn off the tap until you need some more. Water running unused goes straight down the drain. It adds up to a whale of a lot of wasted water.

Kitchen

Automatic dishwashers claim the most water in kitchens, about 15 gallons per run. The secret here is to make sure the washer is fully loaded before you turn it on. It takes the same amount of water whether it is full or just has a few cups. Also, don't let the faucet run when you scrub vegetables or prepare other foods. Put a stopper in the sink instead.

Leaks

A little leak loses lots! Just a slow drip can add up to 15 or 20 gallons a day.

Water Saving Devices

Many different kinds of water saving devices and fixtures are on the market, ranging from special reduced flow shower heads to water thrifty shallow trap toilets. See a good plumbing supply or hardware store for advice, particularly when it's time to replace an old fixture in the house. Try to get one that doesn't use as much water.

Watering Your Lawn

You don't have to let your lawn turn brown to conserve water. Don't over water. Water that is running down the street gutters is doing your lawn no good. Water slowly so it can seep in. Also, don't water on a schedule; water only when the lawn looks like it needs it.

Washing the Car

Your garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a bucket for soapy water and use the hose only for rinsing. Running water in the driveway won't get the car any cleaner.