Changing a few habits can lead to savings!

Downloadable Simple Steps to Save Water flyer

IN THE BATHROOM

• Keep showers to 10 minutes or less.
• Turn the water off while brushing teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
• Flush only when you "go".  Do not flush wipes, tissue, or other trash.
  
  

IN THE KITCHEN

• When full, run the dishwasher-- scrape dishes in the trash and skip pre-rinsing.
• Use a stopper and fill sinks for washing and rinsing.
• Keep a  pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator for a cool drink rather than running the tap.

CLEANING

• Wash full loads or utilize the washer's smart sensor to minimize water usage. 
• Use a bucket of water to rinse sponges and cleaning cloths instead of a running tap.
• Use a broom to clean out garages and sidewalks.
  

WATER LEAKS

• Repair or replace leaking or dripping faucets.
• Repair leaking toilets.  How to tell if you have a leak:
• If an unused toilet makes a running noise.
• If water is tricking down the inside of an unflushed bowl.
•   Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 15-20 minutes; if color appears in the toilet bowl-- you may have a leak. 
  

WATER WISELY LAWN AND GARDEN TIPS

The summer months can lead to unexpectedly high water bills as lawn watering can account for almost 50% of your water usage.    Cutting back and being water-wise doesn't mean you have to have a brown lawn.

SMALL CHANGES, NOT SO SMALL CHANGE

• Water your lawn or garden during the cool morning hours.
• Don't water with sprinklers in windy conditions.  If water is needed, use a soaker hose.
• Set sprinklers to water lawns and gardens only-- don't water sidewalks or driveways.
• Raise your mower blade to 3"; taller grass needs less water.
• Mow more often.  Removing too much of the grass blade at once can shock the grass.
• Leave the grass clippings on your lawn.  Clippings break down quickly and return beneficial nutrients to the soil.
• Don't over-fertilize-- feed your lawn only two times per year.
• Cut watering times.  Watering 20 minutes three times per week can be enough to maintain a healthy lawn.
• Use mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and reduce water stealing weeds.
• Water trees and shrubs with a soaker hose or bucket.
• Plant low water plants that are right for the Casper Area (Zone 3-5a)

MAKING SAVING PART OF YOUR PLAN

• Install smart watering devices that utilize real-time weather, plant, and soil data.
• Select low-water-use and drought-tolerant turf grasses such as turf-type tall fescue.
• Decrease lawn size.  Inter mix xeriscape areas, hardscapes (patios, rock areas), and turf areas.  Group plants by water usage.
• Plant flower beds near downspouts to take advantage of water runoff.
• Improve the soil with compost or other organic material before planting or sodding.  Better soils retain water and allow for a broader root system.