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Tips For Saving Water

The Great Barrington Fire District encourages the community to conserve our most valuable natural resource.  We all share in the benefits of the world's safest, purest drinking water. By making simple changes in our daily routines, we can all contribute to protecting this natural resource for future generations.

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Although our system has an adequate amount of water to satisfy present and future demands, there are a number of reasons why it is important to conserve water: 

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  1.  Saving water lessens the strain on the water system during a dry spell. 

  2.  Saving water reduces the cost of energy required to pump water and the need to construct new wells and pumping systems. 

  3.  Saving water saves energy and some of the costs associated with both of these necessities of life.

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Tips: 

   

  • Check your home for leaks. Your home may have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour time period. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

  • Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes.

  • Check for worn out, corroded or bent parts. (Flush as soon as testing is done since food coloring may stain tank.

  • Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when full - you could save 1,000 gallons a month.

  • Defrost frozen food in the microwave or the refrigerator instead of using hot water.

  • Don't let the water run when washing dishes by hand.

  • Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

  • Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and use it to water plants.

  • Water your lawn early in the morning or at night - this will avoid excessive evaporation.

  • Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways

  • If you have a swimming pool, use a pool cover

  • Use the garbage disposal sparingly

  • Compost instead and save gallons every time.

  • For cold water, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap

  • Wash your produce in the sink or pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap

  • If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a water-efficient showerhead

  • Time your shower to under 5 minutes - you'll save 1,000 gallons a month.

  • Install low volume toilets

  • When you clean your fish tanks, use the water you've drained on your plants - the water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer.

  • Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute - that's 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

  • Insulate hot water pipes so you don't have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet

  • If your toilet was installed prior to 1980, place a toilet dam or bottle filled with water in  your toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water used for each flush - be sure these devices do not interfere with operating parts.

  • Choose new water-saving appliances, some washing machines can save up to 20 gallons per load.

  • Turn off the water when you shave - save more than 100 gallons a week.

  • When you give your pet new water, don't throw the old water out, use it to water your trees and shrubs.

  • While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.

  • Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose

  • Mulch around outdoor plants to hold water in the soil

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