Water conservation isn’t just something to think about during a drought—it’s an everyday responsibility. Our drinking water comes from wells located on Highridge Drive. These wells are directly affected by how much water we use and indirectly by rainfall. When we use only what we need, we help protect and extend our community’s water supply.

Responsible water use ensures there are adequate resources for public health, safety, and quality of life. Conservation also saves money on bills, reduces energy demand, and protects the environment we all share.

One of the most common sources of waste? Broken or misaligned sprinkler heads. A quick inspection of your irrigation system can prevent thousands of gallons from being lost each season.

Everyday activities add up quickly. Here’s a comparison of common water uses and how much you can save by choosing conserving habits.

Small changes inside your home can add up to big water savings. Here are some practical ways to cut back on wasted water:

🛁 Bathroom

• Take shorter showers. Swap in an ultra-low-flow showerhead—many come with pause buttons so you don’t lose your temperature setting.
• Fill the tub only 1/3 full when bathing; add hot water later to warm it up.
• Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth. Use a basin instead.
• Check toilets for leaks with a few drops of food coloring in the tank—if color appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, it’s leaking.
• Don’t flush tissues or small trash. Use a wastebasket instead.
• If the flush handle sticks, repair or replace it to avoid constant running water.

🍳 Kitchen

• Only run dishwashers when full, or set the cycle for smaller loads.
• When washing dishes by hand, use one sink for soapy water and a light rinse stream in the other.
• Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it’s cold.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator—not under running water.
• Compost kitchen scraps instead of using the garbage disposal, which needs lots of water and can strain septic systems.
• Consider installing an instant hot water heater at the sink to reduce wasted water while waiting for it to warm up.

👕 Laundry

• Run full loads in clothes washers—or adjust the water level for smaller loads.
• Upgrade to a high-efficiency washer to cut water use nearly in half.

🔧 Home Maintenance

• Check your water meter when no water is being used; if it moves, you may have a hidden leak.
• Repair dripping faucets—a single drop per second wastes more than 2,700 gallons a year.
• Add aerators with flow restrictors to faucets.
• Insulate hot water pipes to get hot water faster and reduce wasted runoff.
• Only install water softeners if necessary, and minimize regenerations. Turn off when on vacation.
• Avoid water-to-air heat pumps. Use air-to-air systems, which are just as efficient without wasting water.
• When adjusting temperature, reduce the flow of the hot or cold side rather than cranking the other higher.

Smart outdoor practices can save hundreds—even thousands—of gallons each month. Here are practical ways to make every drop count:

🌱 Lawn Care

• Water lawns only when needed: every 5–7 days in summer, and 10–14 days in winter. A good rain can delay watering for up to two weeks.
• Raise your mower blade to 3 inches or more. Taller grass shades roots and holds moisture better.
• Avoid over-fertilizing—extra fertilizer means extra water. Choose slow-release, water-insoluble nitrogen products.

💧 Irrigation

• Adjust sprinklers so water lands on plants, not driveways or sidewalks.
• Use efficient systems like drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or micro-sprinklers.
• Check sprinkler systems and timers regularly to ensure proper operation.
• Never leave sprinklers or hoses unattended—600+ gallons can be lost in just a few hours.
• Set a kitchen timer or phone reminder so you don’t forget to turn them off.

🌿 Landscaping

• Plant native or drought-tolerant species. Once established, they need far less water and tolerate dry spells.
• Group plants with similar water needs together.
• Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds competing for water.
• Explore xeriscaping for long-term savings—designs that minimize water use while keeping landscapes attractive.

🚿 Everyday Outdoor Use

• Use a broom instead of hosing driveways and sidewalks. A hose can waste hundreds of gallons.
• Attach a shut-off nozzle to hoses so water only flows when you need it. Turn it off at the faucet to prevent drips.
• Inspect hoses, connectors, and spigots regularly for leaks. Replace washers when needed.
• Consider a commercial car wash that recycles water instead of washing at home.

🏊 Pools & Features

• If you have a pool, upgrade to a modern water-saving filter. A single backwash on older filters can waste 180–250 gallons.
• Avoid ornamental fountains or water features unless they recycle water.