Conservation and Protection Tips

Tips for Protecting Water

Never pour any auto waste such as oil or antifreeze into a storm drain, septic tank, dry well, or on the ground. Recycle it!
Avoid pouring cleaners and solvents on the ground or in a storm drain.
Apply fertilizers and pesticides only when needed and with caution; read the labels.
Maintain your septic system. A malfunctioning system can cost you a bundle and pollute groundwater.
Don't allow your pet to roam. Dogs and cats don't like to defecate in their own yards, but the grass at the well sites is not the place for them to toilet. Leash your animal and pick up after them.
Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation help rain soak into the soil. Plants filter pollutants from runoff, prevent slopes from eroding, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Use backflow preventers on all garden hoses and irrigation.

Tips for Water Conservation

If it doesn't grow, don't water it.
Use timers while watering, but adjust your schedule to the weather.
Try not to water during the heat of the day when evaporation is more likely, or when it is windy.
Install drip irrigation; it gets the water more directly to the plant.
Sweep your walks and driveway instead of hosing them down. If you must hose them, use a pressure (power) washer; it uses less water.
Use a shutoff nozzle on the hose when washing the car.
When washing clothes or dishes, only run full loads. This will save water and electricity.
Partially fill the sink to rinse produce or hand-washed dishes, instead of letting the water run.
Repair water leaks and drips promptly.
If you see water leaks around the Island, report them.
If you still have an old toilet, put a quart jar full of water in the tank to decrease the amount of water used during flushing.
The family likes their drinking water cold? Put a pitcher of water in the refrigerator, and they won't have to run the tap water until cold.