Erin James Ling

Virginia Master Well Owner Network Training

Water Use and Conservation

US Water Use and Population (1950-00)

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Why conserve?Protect your water quantity and qualityReduce the load to septic or sewer systemSave $$$$Save ENERGY used to move or heat waterProtect resources for future generationsLittle effort produces significant results

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Where is water used in the home?69 gallons/person/day

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Ways to conserve INDOORSToilets

Check for leaks by putting food coloring in tankReduce number of flushes per day

1 less flush per person/day in US would save enough water to create a lake one sq. mile 4 ft deep every day!

Toilets made before 1993 3-8 gallons per flush; newer toilets use 1.6 gpf

Improved toilets can save a family 14,000-17,000 gallons per year

Install toilet tummy or 2 liter bottles in tank

Turn off water when brushing teeth or

shaving!

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Ways to conserve INDOORSShower and Bath

Reduce time spent in shower – get a timer!Install low-flow shower head – 2.5 gpm or lessBathe small kids together Reconsider baths – 50 or more gallons!Consider collecting water for plants, etc.

HouseplantsCollect water from washing produce, cooking, or cleaning

fish tank to water plantsPut discarded ice cubes in a plant rather

than the sink

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Ways to conserve INDOORSKitchen

Dishwashers New ones work! Don’t pre-wash dishes Run only when full

Faucets Fix Leaks! One drip per second 2,700 gal/year Install low-flow faucet aerators Turn it off when not in use (washing dishes)

Consider composting rather than garbage disposalUse as little water as possible when cooking

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Ways to conserve INDOORSLaundry

Consider purchasing energy efficient model (23 gallons per load compared to 40)

Use cold setting whenever possiblePre-treat stains to avoid re-washingOnly wash full loads, or adjust load size setting

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Ways to conserve OUTSIDEXeriscape – landscape in ways that do not

require irrigationPlant species appropriate to your area (native), in

practical areas of the yardUse mulch, manure and compostGroup plants by water need If watering is necessary, do so in the morning hoursHarvest rainwater using a cistern

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Ways to conserve OUTSIDECheck for leaks – hoses, etc.Use the broom instead of hose to cleanInstall fewer impermeable surfacesTake the car to a carwash that recycles waterInstall backflow protector on all outdoor faucets

and use backflow practices

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Achieving Water ConservationChanges in Habits

Little or no additional cost Quick effectOften temporary

Water saving appliances or fixturesCan be expensiveMost are easily installedVery effectiveOften permanent

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Effect of Water Conservation

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Toilet Washer Shower Faucets Dishwasher

Without Conservation

With Conservation

Normal use = 68 gallons per day per personConservation use = 38 gallons per day per person

Estimated Annual Water and Energy Savings (family of four)

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Water Savings Energy

Savings

Appliance (gallons) (kilowatt hours)

Low-flush toilet 18,000 0

Low-volume showerhead 4,000 500

Low-volume faucet 9,000 500

Front-loading washer 13,000 1,300

Water-efficient dishwasher 600 150

Total 44,600 2,450Annual Dollar SavingsWater 44,600 gallons @ $0.005 per gallon ~ $225Energy 2,450 Kwh @ $0.08 per kWh ~ $200

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Thanks!Questions?