Conservation tips 4

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--> --> Conservation tips The following are ways residential water customers can conserve water: Lawn and Garden: · Outdoor water use accounts for almost half the water used by the American home, and thus provides the greatest single opportunity for conserving. · Water early in the morning before 10:00 a.m. Watering in the heat of the day allows the water to evaporate and watering late in the day may promote fungus and other lawn diseases. · Depending on the weather, it's generally better to water once a week and provide 1 inch to 1.5 inches of water. (If it's hot, you might have to water more often.) · Time how long it takes to apply one inch of water by placing a flat-bottomed can about 6-feet away from the sprinkler. · Do not mow lawns too short; taller grass requires less water. · Consider letting your lawn brown out. It will come back. Repair Leaks: · Check faucets and hose connections for leaks. · Inspect pipes for pinhole leaks, and leaking joints. A slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it and you will save almost 6,000 gallons a year. Showers and Baths: · Use low volume showerheads. They are inexpensive and can pay for themselves in water, sewer and energy savings in less than a year. For a five minute shower they can reduce water usage from some 40 gallons to 12 to 15 gallons. Toilets: · Flush only when needed. · Do not use the toilet as a trash can. · Put a water displacement device inside the toilet tank. · Check for leaks. Clothes Washer and Dishwasher: · Do only full loads. Avoid using extra cycles whenever possible. · Choose a water- saving model. Drinking Water: · Keep a container of cool water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet. · Leave the water off when brushing your teeth or shaving. Garbage Disposal: · Use the sink disposal sparingly. Car Washing: · Rinse car once. · Wash from bucket. · Be sure to use a shut-off nozzle on your hose. Source: Oregon Water Resources Department. For more information on ways to conserve water, visit the Water Resources Department's web page at www.wrd.state.or.us . Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing