Efficient Water Use and Conservation Tips for Virginia Residents

1. Water Use and Conservation Erin James Ling Virginia Master Well Owner Network Training

2. How water is used in Virginia(millions of gallons per day)

3. US Water Use and Population (1950-00) http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/totrendbar.html

4. Why conserve? • Protect your water quantity and quality • Reduce the load to septic or sewer system • Save $$$$ • Save ENERGY used to move or heat water • Protect resources for future generations • Little effort produces significant results

5. Where is water used in the home?69 gallons/person/day

6. Ways to conserve INDOORS • Toilets • Check for leaks by putting food coloring in tank • Reduce number of flushes per day • 1 less flush per person/day in US  would save enough water to create a lake one sq. mile 4 ft deep every day! • Toilets made before 1993  3-8 gallons per flush; newer toilets use 1.6 gpf • Improved toilets can save a family 14,000-17,000 gallons per year • Install toilet tummy or 2 liter bottles in tank • Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving!

7. Ways to conserve INDOORS • Shower and Bath • Reduce time spent in shower – get a timer! • Install low-flow shower head – 2.5 gpm or less • Bathe small kids together • Reconsider baths – 50 or more gallons! • Consider collecting water for plants, etc. • Houseplants • Collect water from washing produce, cooking, or cleaning fish tank to water plants • Put discarded ice cubes in a plant rather than the sink

8. Ways to conserve INDOORS • Kitchen • Dishwashers • New ones work! Don’t pre-wash dishes • Run only when full • Faucets • Fix Leaks! One drip per second  2,700 gal/year • Install low-flow faucet aerators • Turn it off when not in use (washing dishes) • Consider composting rather than garbage disposal • Use as little water as possible when cooking

9. Ways to conserve INDOORS • Laundry • Consider purchasing energy efficient model (23 gallons per load compared to 40) • Use cold setting whenever possible • Pre-treat stains to avoid re-washing • Only wash full loads, or adjust load size setting

10. Ways to conserve OUTSIDE • Xeriscape – landscape in ways that do not require irrigation • Plant species appropriate to your area (native), in practical areas of the yard • Use mulch, manure and compost • Group plants by water need • If watering is necessary, do so in the morning hours • Harvest rainwater using a cistern

11. Ways to conserve OUTSIDE • Check for leaks – hoses, etc. • Use the broom instead of hose to clean • Install fewer impermeable surfaces • Take the car to a carwash that recycles water • Install backflow protector on all outdoor faucets and use backflow practices

12. Achieving Water Conservation • Changes in Habits • Little or no additional cost • Quick effect • Often temporary • Water saving appliances or fixtures • Can be expensive • Most are easily installed • Very effective • Often permanent

13. Effect of Water Conservation Normal use = 68 gallons per day per person Conservation use = 38 gallons per day per person

14. Estimated Annual Water and Energy Savings (family of four) Water Savings Energy Savings Appliance (gallons) (kilowatt hours) Low-flush toilet 18,000 0 Low-volume showerhead 4,000 500 Low-volume faucet 9,000 500 Front-loading washer 13,000 1,300 Water-efficient dishwasher 600 150 Total 44,600 2,450 Annual Dollar Savings Water 44,600 gallons @ $0.005 per gallon ~ $225 Energy 2,450 Kwh @ $0.08 per kWh ~ $200

15. Thanks! Questions?