Departments » Finance » Customer Service » My Utilities » Energy & Water Conservation Tips

Water Conservation Tips

Font Size: + -
Print

 

 

WATER CONSERVATION

When it comes to conserving water, small adjustments can have noticeable impact. Follow these simple tips and you may see a decrease in your water bill:

FIX LEAKY FAUCETS & SPIGOTS

 A dripping faucet or spigot can add a substantial amount of water loss if left unrepaired. Check washers and connections frequently, and repair and hoses, as needed.  
 

WATER WISELY

Veggie Wash:  When washing fruits and vegetables, fill a bowl with clean water instead of letting the faucet run. Rinse them quickly under running water for a final clean. 

Shorten the Rinse Cycle: Consider shortening the rinse cycle on your dishwasher, especially for lightly soiled dishes. 

Full Loads Only:  Run dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full. This reduces the number of cycles needed and saves water.

Turn off the Tap: Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes. Turn off the faucet when not actively using the water. 

Defrost Smart: Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator overnight instead of running water. 

  

COOL COOKING TECHNIQUES

 Opt for cooking methods that use less water, like grilling, steaming, or using a pressure cooker.   
     

DEEP SOAKING, NOT DAILY DRENCHING

 Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deeper root growth, making your plants more resilient during hot weather. Avoid shallow watering, which encourages surface roots that dry out quickly.   

GROUP ACCORDING TO THIRST

 Group plants with similar watering needs together. This allows for more efficient watering based on the specific requirements of each plant type.   

POOL PERFECTION

 Keep your pool covered when not in use to minimize evaporation. Regularly check pool filters and skimmers to ensure optimal efficiency.   
     

HOW TO READ YOUR METER

  
 COMING SOON!  
   
   
     
     

WATER LEAK GUIDE

  

Unidentified water leaks can significantly contribute to water waste and increased utility bills. The EPA estimates the average household leak wastes approximately 190 gallons of water per week. Common sources of these leaks include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and malfunctioning valves. Detecting a water leak early can help prevent significant water waste and potential property damage.

  

To determine if you have a water leak, turn off all water-using appliances, faucets, and outdoor watering systems. Keep the main water line to your home turned on. Next, inspect the flow indicator on your water meter. If the indicator is still, and no water is being used indoors or outdoors, there is likely no leak. However, if the indicator continues to move, a water leak may be present. Below are suggestions on how to check for leaks both inside and outside your home.

  
If you suspect a water leak, it's important to address it promptly to prevent further damage and water waste. Contact a plumber or professional leak detection service for assistance.
  
     

OUTODOOR LEAKS

  

Outdoor water leaks can be particularly challenging to detect due to their hidden nature. Unlike indoor leaks, which often present obvious signs like dripping faucets or water stains, outdoor leaks can silently waste significant amounts of water. To help you identify potential water loss outside your home, we recommend the following methods:

  

THE GREEN PATCH

  

Look for unusually green or lush patches in your lawn, especially during dry periods. This could be a sign of a leak in your sprinkler system. 

  

SOGGY SPOTS

  

Check for soft or mushy areas in your yard, particularly near your faucets or hose bibs. These could indicate leaks from those sources. 

  

SPRINKLERS

  

Continuously running small amounts of water. This could be a sign of your solenoid valve not closing all of the way. This can be caused by debris in the valve. 

  

MONTHLY METER MONITORING

  

Regularly monitoring your water meter readings to identify any unusual spikes in water usage, which could indicate a leak. 

  
     
     

INDOOR LEAKS

  

Indoor water leaks can often go unnoticed until they cause significant damage. Hidden behind walls or under flooring, these leaks can lead to costly repairs and mold growth. To help you identify potential water leaks within your home, we recommend the following simple checks:

  

THE TOILET TEST

Toilets account for a quarter of all water use in homes. A running or leaking toilet can add to your utility bill. Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. If it the color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, you have a leak in the tank. 

  

LISTEN FOR LEAKS

Pay attention for any hissing or dripping sounds coming from pipes or fixtures. These can be signs of hidden leaks. 

  

FEEL FOR MOISTURE

Run your hands along pipes and walls near showers, sinks, and washing machines. Dampness or water stains can indicate leaks. 

  

   

   

CONTINUOUS WATER USAGE & LEAKS

  

A sudden or unexplained increase in your water bill is often a sign of a hidden water leak. While it's normal for water usage to fluctuate slightly, a consistent upward trend can indicate a serious problem. To determine if a leak is contributing to your increased water usage or if you have been contacted by the City of Richland to notify you of the potential leak, please consider the following steps:

  

CHECK YOUR METER
  1. Turn off all water-using appliances, faucets, and outdoor spigots.
  2. Locate your water meter and check for any movement on the low flow indicator. If the indicator continues to spin, you have a leak.
  3. For a more precise check, record the meter reading, wait a few hours without using any water, and check the reading again. Any increase indicates a leak. 
  

MONITOR YOUR WATER USAGE
  1. Be mindful of your water consumption habits. Identify any changes in usage patterns that could explain the increased bill.
  2. Consider installing a water-saving showerhead or low-flow toilets to reduce the overall water consumption. 
  

INSPECT YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM

  
  1. Check for visible signs of leaks, such as wet spots, mold, or mildew.
  2. Listen for unusual noises, like dripping or running water.
  3. Inspect toilets, faucets, and pipes for any sigs of damage or leaks.