CONSERVATION TIPS
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Cooking Tips: Don't use running water to thaw food. Use only
the necessary amount of water for cooking. Rinse produce in a pan of clear
water, not under a running faucet.
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Match the washing machine setting to the actual load size. Wash
dishes only when the washer is full or hand wash small loads.
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Use the water meter to check for leaks. Turn off all taps, then
observe the meter (about 10 minutes) for movement of the sweep hand or flow
indicator.
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Group your landscape plants by water requirements. Set your
sprinklers so they do not water the sidewalk, driveway, or street and use soaker
hoses for shrubs and trees.
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Turn off the sprinkler system for several days after a good
rainfall. Do not "scalp" your turf when mowing. Grass holds water better when it
is 1.5" to 2.5" deep.
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Apply 1 to 3 inches of mulch in your flower and shrub gardens.
This conserves water and helps with weed control.
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Irrigate in the early morning (before 10 AM) or in the evening
to avoid excessive evaporation. Avoid irrigating in windy weather. Hot, windy
air can evaporate up to 60% of the water being used.
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Take shorter showers - turn water off while shampooing or
applying soap. Short showers consume about 1/2 the volume of a typical tub bath.
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Install low volume - 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) - toilets. This
can save up to 30% of indoor water use. Install a displacement bag in older
toilet tanks. Use a dye tablet (or food coloring) to check toilets for leaks.
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Collect rainwater for inside and outside plants. Water plants
with discarded aquarium water, or dropped/left over ice cubes. Catch cold water
in a bucket while waiting for hot water and water plants with the cold water.
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Turn water off while shaving or brushing teeth then turn on to
rinse. Do not leave water running while washing hands.
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Install water efficient shower heads and faucets. Install
aerators on faucets - aim for 2 gallons per minute (gpm) flow rate. Check all
faucets for leaks, and repair as necessary.
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City of Amarillo @ 2008
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