Water conservation should be a top priority for all of us on any given day, but it is especially important during periods when conditions are dry — such as those currently experienced by Washington County and the surrounding area.
“The situation certainly isn’t urgent, but our water supply has dropped below 80 percent, and that is an indicator that we need to be more mindful of the amount of water we’re using,” said Water Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen.
Fire crews from across the state have been battling wildfires for the past several days, due largely to overgrown vegetation and dry conditions, fire officials say.
According to Lauritsen, these conditions are expected this time of year.
“This is typically one of our drier times of the year, so we need for everyone to be diligent regarding water use,” he said.
The overall percentage of water remaining for use for Bartlesville water customers dipped Friday to 79.3 percent — no cause for alarm but indicative of a need to conserve, Lauritsen said.
Indoor solutions
Indoors, long showers are the largest user of what is arguably the world’s most precious resource. Limiting shower time, as well as updating plumbing fixtures to “low-flow” systems can go a long way in conserving water, Lauritsen said.
“Indoors, showers are the largest user of water, which could easily be reduced and would go a long way toward conservation,” he said.
“Additionally, all new plumbing has ‘low-flow’ capabilities, which should replace conventional fixtures whenever possible. Shower heads, toilets, sinks — all are available with water-saving low-flow aerators.
“Little things can add up and make a big difference,” he said.
Other tips
General
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving. (Save 4 to 10 gallons a day.)
- Never use your toilet as a wastebasket. (Save 3 to 7 gallons per flush.)
- Don’t take marathon showers. (Save 3 to 7 gallons per shower.)
- Run your dishwasher only when full. (Save up to 15 gallons per load.)
- Run the washing machine only when full and adjust the water level setting carefully. Your machine uses 22 to 25 gallons per load. (Save enough water for 1 to 2 loads every week; saves hot water cost, too.)
Faucets, showerheads & toilets
- A dripping, trickling or oozing faucet or showerhead can waste from 75 to several hundred gallons of water per week, depending on the size of the drip. Worn out washers are the main cause of these leaks, and a new washer generally cost about $1.
- Faucets typically use 2 to 7 gallons per minute. Installing a low-flow aerator can reduce the flow by as much as 25 percent — or up to a gallon and a half per minute. Remove and clean aerators often.
- Leaky toilets make trickling sounds and can waste 50 gallons of water a day or more. Parts are inexpensive and fairly east to replace.
Gardens and Landscape
- Water in the cool of the day (early morning is best), and repair leaky hose connections and sprinkler valves. Install rain sensors in timing devices to prevent watering when it’s unnecessary. And remember the One Inch Rule: If there has been an inch of rainfall during the week, you don’t need to water at all.