City of Soledad

23 Ways To Be Conservation Smart HOW YOU CAN HELP SOLEDAD'S REDUCE WASTEWATER FLOW
1. Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.		13. Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
2. Make sure your home is leak-free. Check your water meter when you are certain that no water is being used. If the meter reading changes, you have a leak!		14. Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
3. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year!		15. Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste.
4. Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.		16. Do not waste water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
5. Check for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If you have a leak, the color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. (Flush immediately to avoid stains.)		17. Consider installing an instant hot water heater on your sink and insulating your water pipes.
6. If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.		18. Think twice about installing a water-to air heat pump or air-conditioning system. Newer air-to-air models are just as efficient and do not waste water.
7. Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. (Don't use a brick! There are devices available at most hardware and home centers.) Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts. Consider low-volume toilets which use less than half the water of older models. NOTE: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.		19. Don't let water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
		20. Install water softening systems only when necessary. Turn softeners off while on vacation.
		21. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
8. Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.		22. Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace.
9. Place a container in the shower to catch excess water to water plants.		23. Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste water for irrigation and other uses.
10. In the shower, turn water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn the water back on to rinse off. Repeat when washing your hair.		NOTE: Soledad's lifestyle depends on a clean, ample supply of water and wastewater capacity. As you read through these ways to save water, you’ll notice that some are based on simple common sense, while others utilize new technology. However, all will help to ensure an adequate water supply and a reduction of flow to the City's wastewater plant. It's important that we all do our part. April 6, 2005
11. Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of load you are using.
12. When hand washing dishes, save water by filling two containers – one with soapy water, one with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.

23 Ways To Be Conservation Smart