Water Resources Extension at Penn State University

Stephanie Clemens Mid-Atlantic Water ProgramPennsylvania Master Well Owner Network

Virginia Master Well Owner Network TrainingOctober 29-30, 2008Harrisonburg Virginia

Water Use and Conservation

Virginia withdrawal sources (1995)millions of gallons per day2

How water is used in Virginia(millions of gallons per day)4

Total water withdrawalsGround water withdrawals

US Water Use and Population (1950-00)5http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/totrendbar.htmlWhy 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

6Where is water used in the home?69 gallons/person/day7Ways to conserve INDOORSToiletsCheck for leaks by putting food coloring in tankReduce number of flushes per day1 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 gpfImproved toilets can save a family 14,000-17,000 gallons per yearInstall bricks or 2 liter bottles in tankTurn off water when brushing teeth or shaving!8

Ways to conserve INDOORSShower and BathReduce 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 cooking, cleaning fish tank to water, or washing producePut discarded ice cubes in a plant rather than the sink

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Ways to conserve INDOORSKitchenDishwashersNew ones work! Dont pre-wash dishesRun only when fullFaucetsFix Leaks! One drip per second 2,700 gal/yearInstall low-flow faucet aeratorsTurn it off when not in use (washing dishes)Consider composting rather than garbage disposalUse as little water as possible when cooking

10Ways to conserve INDOORSLaundryConsider 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 cistern12

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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Risks of Backflow Contamination14http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pdf/ec/ec1488.pdfAchieving Water ConservationChanges in HabitsLittle or no additional cost Quick effectOften temporaryWater saving appliances or fixturesCan be expensiveMost are easily installedVery effectiveOften permanent15Read the meter to know its working!16

Effect of Water Conservation 17

Normal use = 68 gallons per day per personConservation use = 38 gallons per day per personEstimated Annual Water and Energy Savings (family of four)18Water SavingsEnergy SavingsAppliance(gallons)(kilowatt hours)Low-flush toilet18,000 0Low-volume showerhead 4,000 500Low-volume faucet 9,000 500Front-loading washer13,0001,300Water-efficient dishwasher 600 150 Total44,6002,450Annual Dollar SavingsWater44,600 gallons @ $0.005 per gallon ~ $225Energy2,450 Kwh @ $0.08 per kWh ~ $200 19

Thanks!Questions?Stephanie ClemensMid-Atlantic Water ProgramPennsylvania Master Well Owner Network