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a checklist of conservation ideas for the home
(continuation)

 

water saving devices

 

showerheads

Replacing your old showerhead with a low flow can save as much as 7.2 gallons per person per day. You can get showerheads and other low flow fixtures from the Maui County Board of Water Supply (270-7199), or the Public Works Department (270-7417).

 

toilets

Installing a new water conserving toilet can save as much as 17 gallons per person per day. Even a low cost installing a toilet flapper can save more than 5 gallons per person per day.

 

faucets

Replacing your old faucets with more efficient models can save 4 gallons per person per day. Faucet aerators or spray taps can also help, by mixing air with water. This cuts the flow and reduces splashing, while leaving enough pressure to cut the soap and grease.

 

washing machines

A water-efficient washing machine can save up to 20 gallons per load. With the average household washing 6 loads per week, that's a lot of water! In fact, within 2 years, these can save as much water as the average person drinks in a lifetime! And that's not all. Statistics on energy savings potential indicate that highly efficient washing machines save from 35% to 65% on energy used for washing!

 

 

maintenance

 

check for leaks

Leaking faucets cost you money! Even a slow drip wastes 15 gallons per day. A 1/8" stream can waste 400 gallons per day! Think about it. A single dripping faucet can waste more water in one day than a person needs for drinking for an entire week! Unfortunately, the average non-conserving home looses more than 10% of the water it pays for to leaks! Check for leaks regularly. Try putting 10 drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. Don't flush, just wait 15 minutes. If colored water shows up in the bowl, your tank is leaking. Check your water meter while no water is running in your house. If the meter is registering, you have a leak somewhere.

After toilets, most indoor leaks are caused by worn washers in faucets. Check your faucets twice a year. If any drip after you've turned them off firmly, turn off the supply line, take the faucet apart, and replace the washer. And don't forget the faucets on the side of the house.

 

a clean sweep

Did you know that 5 minutes of unnecessary hosing will waste 25 gallons of water? Try sweeping sidewalks and driveways. This will get them clean without wasting water.

 

pipes break - be prepared

Do you know where your master shut-off valve is located? If a pipe breaks in your home, you could experience flooding and property damage as well as huge water waste unless you quickly shut your valve. Locate your valve and mark it for quick, easy identification. Learn how to shut it properly, and teach your family to do so as well.

 

cover pools & jacuzzis

They're fun, but they can waste a lot of water! An average sized pool loses about 1,000 gallons of water per month to evaporation. A pool cover can cut these losses by 90%!

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courtesy: county of maui, dept of water supply
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