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Water Conservation – be water smart, not water short

Water is a valuable resource in Washington.  Using our resources wisely will help us fill the needs of people, industries, businesses and farms, while also keeping fish and other aquatic life alive and ws we must find a way to share limited, fluctuating supplies.

Many factors impact water availability.  Climate change is resulting in reduced snow packs and higher temperatures.  Rapid population growth means that more water is used.  And economic expansion contributes to an increase in paved surfaces, which means more stormwaterrunoff and allows less water to be absorbed through the ground.

Water conservation—using water efficiently and avoiding waste—is fundamental to ensuring water availability in the future.  In order to protect our water supply everyone can practice conservation.  In our businesses, schools, and homes, using water more efficiently will lessen the effects of limited water supply.

• Water Smart, not Water Short: 5 Ways to Secure Water for Washington's Future

Home Residents

• Do you know how much water your household uses on a daily basis? Test your WaterSense!
• We use water every day in our homes for showers, laundry, and keeping our lawns and gardens healthy. The largest use of water used inside the home is from inefficient fixtures, mainly the toilet.  Outside, nearly 40 percent of municipal water is used for watering lawns and gardens.
• Reducing water use in and around the home is easy. Just remember, be water smart, not water short. Use only what you need.

Indoor

• You may have heard all of the tips before.  Many of these small actions will help you save money and protect the environment.  Try new ways to get on the path of water efficiency without changing your lifestyle. 
• Look for water-efficient products with the WaterSense label .  These products are approximately 20 percent more efficient than their standard counterparts.  When shopping for new fixtures, remodeling, or replacing that leaky toilet

ell.  Across the state these water users have diverse needs and goalchoose a WaterSense product.

• Many water and wastewater utilities offer rebates on water-efficient appliances and fixtures.  Check with your local service provider.

Outdoor

• Hosing off driveways and running hoses while washing the car may not be the biggest outdoor uses, but they do waste water.  Landscape watering is the largest outdoor water use and up to half of that water is wasted before ever reaching your plants.  Many opportunities are available outdoors for homeowners to become water smart.

Landscape watering

• Some experts estimate that 50 percent of water is lost due to evaporation and run-off. Choose a WaterSense landscape irrigation professional partner. Partnering irrigation professionals can install, audit or upgrade your system to save up to 9,000 gallons each year. Technology also is available to ensure that sprinkler systems are on their best behavior. Sensor and weather-based technologies allow systems to water according to weather and shut off in the rain.
• Not interested in an irrigation system?  Purchase in inexpensive hose timer to avoid over-watering.  Soaker hoses are also a great option for avoiding evaporation due to wind.
• Collecting rain water to use on your landscape can help you save water outdoors.
• Many local water providers offer rebates on efficient irrigation devices.

Landscape choices

• Native and drought tolerant plants can make a beautiful alternative to unused turf areas in your yard.  WSU Cooperative Extension has many resources to assist home gardeners with landscaping using native plants.

For more information on exactly where water is used in your home visit H2ouse.