TUD’s Water Saving Tips
The State Water Resources Control Board approved state emergency water restrictions that carry a hefty fine. The ban calls for all Californians to stop wasting water on landscaping, fountains, washing vehicles and other outdoor uses or face fines of up to $500 per day.
Lisa Westbrook, Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) Customer Service Supervisor, was Thursday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.
According to Westbrook, the state of California is demanding a 20% reduction in water usage. TUD customers are asked to cut water by 50%.
There are several measures that water customers can take both inside and outside of the home, including temporary lifestyle changes, such as showering every other day.
TUD offers some of the following tips for cutting indoor water usage:
Use the washing machine for full loads only to save water and energy.
Install a water-efficient clothes washer. This will save as much as sixteen gallons a load.
Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and helps your clothes retain their color.
Run the dishwasher only when full to save water and energy.
Install aerators on the faucets to reduce flows.
When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one
basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand.
Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost vegetable food waste.
Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator.
Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
Select the proper pan size for cooking. Large pans may require more cooking water than necessary.
If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
Install low-flow shower heads.
Take five minute showers or less.
While you are waiting for the shower water to get hot, use a bucket to capture that water especially if it takes a long time to get hot water. Then use that water to flush toilets if you can and water plants or displace water that you would use somewhere else.
Fill the bathtub halfway or less.
When running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the water. Adjust the temperature as the tub fills.
Turn water off when brushing teeth or shaving.
Utilize TUD’s toilet rebate program. If your home was built before 1992 and you have a toilet that uses 3.0 gallons of water per flush, you may be eligible to receive a rebate if you replace your toilet with a low-flow toilet. TUD water customers can receive a $45 rebate for replacing their toilet.
Stop by TUD to get free dye toilet tablets. Or put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Fix it and start saving gallons.
Plug the sink instead of running the water to rinse your razor.
Turn off the water while washing your hair.
When washing your hands, turn the water off while you lather.
When it comes to gardening and landscaping outdoors, try these water-wising tips:
Check your sprinkler system for leaks and make necessary repairs.
Water early in the morning before sunrise.
Avoid watering during windy times of the day.
Control weeds which compete for water, light, and nutrients.
Fertilize moderately (the low end of recommended rates) to avoid excessive
growth, which increases water needs.
Apply three to four inches of mulch around trees and other woody plants. Mulches reduce
evaporation from soil, lower soil temperatures and reduce weeds.
Prune trees and other woody plants only when necessary. Pruning stimulates shoot growth, which increases water needs.
The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard every weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 AM.
