June 09 eMail update

• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap. Then reuse the water to water houseplants.
• For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
• If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
• Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
• Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.
• When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
• Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
• Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time. Same goes for pets!
• Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.

• To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
• Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models. Dual flush toilets are a great option for conserving water, but another incentive in switching to dual flush systems is motivated by the city of Madison, which has a water utility rebate program for the installation of High Efficient Toilet (HET) systems.
• Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
• Use a water-efficient shower head. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
• Take shorter showers! This can save up to 5 gallons a day
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
• Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

• Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
• Collect water from your roof to water your garden. Then winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting. Check out Sustain Dane’s Rain Reserve program and oak rain barrels.
• Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
• Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
• Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid over watering some while under watering others.
• Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.
• Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
• Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.

• Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
• Support projects that use reclaimed waste-water for irrigation and industrial uses.
• Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.