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Water Conservation Information

Water is a limited resource and the District actively promotes water conservation through public relations programs designed to educate people about the role everyone plays in water conservation. It is important for all consumers to conserve water in order to prevent severe shortages in the future. Economizing the use of water and minimizing pollution are two water conservation measures that save money, energy and help protect the environment.

The District is prepared for the possibility of rolling blackouts due to an energy crisis and encourages customers to do the same. East Valley Water District has retrofitted some sites by installing generators so that it can meet the demand for water by its customers during emergencies. The District encourages all of its customers to be prepared for any emergency, including earthquakes and other natural disasters, by keeping a supply of fresh water, canned food, matches and other items stored in their homes. Being prepared for all types of local disasters will allow residents to also weather any temporary power outages they may experience.

There are many steps that water customers can take to conserve water every day. Water users can economize by being aware of the amount of water they are using and looking for ways to use less water whenever possible.

Repairing leaks can save hundreds, or even thousands of gallons of water per year. Most leaks are easy to detect and repair with some basic know-how and simple tools.

Economizing can be accomplished in the home in the following ways:

Less water is used when water-saving devices are installed, like low-flow fixtures (shower head flow restrictors). Also helpful are displacement devices to reduce the amount of water used in older toilets. These devices can be made with weighted plastic jugs full of water. Flushing toilets only when necessary and/or installing a low-flow toilet are other ways to reduce the amount of water used in the bathroom.

Simple ways to conserve water include plugging the sink drain while brushing teeth or shaving so that water doesn’t run constantly. Taking shallow baths or shorter showers and turning off water while shampooing or soaping will save water. Installing low-flow shower heads and sink aerators are conservation measures everyone can take.

Repairing leaks in toilets, faucets and pipes can save 20 or more gallons of water per day. To check for a leak in the toilet tank, add food coloring to the tank water and check the bowl in 15 minutes. Color in the bowl probably means there’s a leak. Dripping faucets or shower heads can usually be fixed by replacing the washer inside the faucet.

Other ways to use less water include washing only full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher, and replacing old washing machines with water and energy efficient models when possible. Using less detergent helps prevent water pollution.

The garbage disposal can be used less by scraping dishes into the trash or, better yet, composting garbage. Use a pail or basin full of water to mop floors with, instead of running water. Soaking grills and oven parts overnight loosens grime, requiring less running water to clean them.

Watering Your Garden

In the southwest, water is precious, yet garden plants still need irrigation, especially during dry months. Seasonal droughts, groundwater pollution, and population growth all affect this valuable resource. All water consumers can take steps to avoid waste in homes and gardens, ensuring the future availability of water.

In the southwest, about 50 percent of water goes to gardens and lawns. So that is the most important place to start a conservation program. Fortunately, water conservation doesn’t mean planting a barren landscape; it means practicing good gardening. Choosing plants well adapted to the local climate, improving soil, watering efficiently and taking advantage of the latest irrigation technology all help save water.

For lawns, a well-adjusted sprinkler system that waters evenly, and for trees and shrubs a bubbler or drip irrigation system should be used. For vegetables and ornamental plants, a soaker hose or drip system is the most efficient.

Established trees and shrubs with deep root systems should be watered longer and less often. Shallow-rooted plants should be watered less, but watered more frequently. Older established trees and shrubs may not require irrigation. Established plants are frequently overwatered.

Other ways to reduce water use in the yard include keeping weeds out, mulching to reduce surface evaporation, aerating lawns in the fall to help water travel to the roots, fertilizing less often, and adding compost or peat moss to soil to help it hold more water. Planting landscapes that require little water and using plants that provide shade or erosion and offer fire control are also good conservation measures. Consider alternatives to big thirsty lawns, like drought resistant groundcovers.

Instead of water, a broom can be used to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps. Cars should be washed with a bucket of water, using the hose only to rinse. Using a hose with an on/off nozzle and repairing leaky hoses are more ways to save water.

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