2005 Year in Review

Conserving Water During a Drought

Source: Duane Friend, U of I Extension Educator, Natural Resources Management

Water supplies in some areas of Illinois are dwindling. Some cities are placing water restrictions on water usage, while rural folks with dry wells are hauling water. To extend existing water supplies, water conservation is becoming vital.

A four-person household uses almost 250 gallons of water daily. Three things largely determine household water usage: laundry, bathing, and toilets. These three make up 80 percent of household water use. Decreasing water usage in these areas will reduce overall water needs.

The household washing machine is a major water user. A typical top-loading washer will use 40 gallons of water per wash cycle. Front-loading washing machines only use 20 to 30 gallons per cycle for the same amount of clothes. A front-loading washer can save 20 to 80 gallons of water per day.

Standard showerheads use 5 gallons of water per minute. Low-flow showerheads only use 2.5 gallons per minute, saving 2.5 gallons per minute of use. Some communities are offering these showerheads free of charge. Of course, taking faster showers will also save water.

Older toilets use 5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. Installing low-flow toilets will decrease this amount to 1.6 gallons per flush, saving 3 to 5 gallons per use and 25 to 40 gallons per day.

To further reduce your household water needs:
- Check your home for leaking faucets and pipes. Quickly make any needed repairs. Even a small drip can add up to several gallons per day.
- Do not let faucets run needlessly when brushing teeth or washing hands.
- Limit plant watering. Water flowers, trees and shrubs on an “as-needed” basis.
- Limit lawn watering to once per week or discontinue completely. The lawn may turn brown and look dead, but it should revive when cool, wet weather returns.
- When washing automobiles, use a nozzle on the hose so that water is not wasted. These conservation practices can help decrease water use and lower your water costs. Even in non-drought times when water is plentiful, using less water is economically and environmentally sound.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
July 11, 2005