Water Conservation

In the Kitchen

• Start a compost pile. This will reduce the use of a sink disposal system which uses a lot of water to operate.
• Thaw frozen meat and other food in the refrigerator overnight, rather than running water to thaw them out.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow stream of water. Use the dirty water to run you sink disposal if necessary.
• Fully load your dishwasher, which use the same amount of water no matter how much is in them.
• Buy dishwashers with water and energy saving options.

In the Bathroom

• Check toilets for leaks by adding food color to the tank. If there's a leak, color will appear within 30 minutes. Consider purchasing LowFlow toilets that can reduce use by 20%.
• Avoid flushing unnecessecarily. Dispose of items, such as tissues or insects, in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Don't let the water run while shaving, washing your face, or brushing your teeth.
• Shorten your showers. Even a 1-2 minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

Around the House

• Install a hot water recirculation device. This could save more than 16,000 gallons per year, an average savings of $50 a year on your water bill, and $40 a year on your energy bill.
• Buy water-saving washers, and be sure to adjust to the size of the clothes load.
• Don't send used water or fish tank water down the drain. Use it for cleaning or watering plants.
• Repair leaky faucets - which could save 2,700 gallons a year.
• Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water.

Outdoor Water Use

• Avoid overfertilizing your lawn, which increases the need for water and is a source of water pollution.
• Plant drought-resistant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Check with your local nursery for advice.
• Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly. Replace or add washers if you find leaks.

At Work and Around Town

• Encourage your employer to promote water conservation at the workplace.
• Promote water conservation in community newsletters, bulletin boards, and by example.
• Report significant water losses to the property owner, local authorities or to the water management district.
• Encourage your school system to promote a water conservation ethic among students and employees.

If you have any questions, please contact the Toccoa Water Department at 706-282-3257 . Additional tips are also available at Customer Service in City Hall.