 Water conservation is not just for times of drought! It is the responsibility of all Rockville residents and businesses to help conserve one of our most important resources. Drinking water conservation not only helps ensure that there is enough water for our neighbors and the animals and plants relying on the River to survive, but it also reduces the wear and tear on our water infrastructure. Conservation reduces the City’s overall costs related to water and wastewater treatment and is a prudent measure for residents to take to reduce their monthly water bills.
There are many simple things you can do outside and inside your home to help conserve our water resources. Suggested activities for outside conservation range from checking hoses for leaks to reducing water evaporation from your pool by using a cover. Tips for inside include checking your toilet for leaks and buying water efficient appliances when you upgrade. For a complete list of easy to use tips you can put up on your refrigerator, download Rockville’s Drinking Water Conservation Factsheet. For more information on water conservation view the State of Maryland’s water conservation information. There are many simple things you can do to help conserve our water resources. Conserve Outside - Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly. Repair leaks as needed.
- Equip your hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- If possible, install a water-efficient drip irrigation system. These systems deliver water right to your plants’ roots and reduce the amount of runoff and evaporation.
- Adjust sprinklers so only landscaped areas are watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, steps and sidewalks.
- Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.
- Reduce evaporation by using a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants.\
- Shut off automatic watering systems when it rains or install a rain shut-off device.
- Collect and use rain water for watering your landscape. One way to do this is to hook up rain barrels directly to your downspouts.
- Equip swimming pools, fountains, ponds and other ornamental water features with re-circulating pumps.
- Reduce evaporation by using covers on swimming pools and spas.
- Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Commercial car washes also help protect water quality because soap and other chemicals are properly disposed of and not left to run into the storm drain system.
- Grow plant varieties that are native to this area. Water well when first planting and less frequently once the plants are well established.
- Group plants according to their water needs.
Conserve Inside - Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Repair or replace as necessary.
- Place a plastic one-half gallon jug of water or a toilet dam in the tanks of conventional toilets to displace and save water with each flush.
- When constructing a new home or remodeling your bathroom, install a low-consumption (1.6 gal/flush) or dual flush toilet.
- Put food coloring in the toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color appears in the bowl, there is a leak. Adjust or replace the flush valve and flapper as necessary.
- When washing dishes by hand, do not let the water run. If you have a double sink, fill one with wash water and the other with rinse water or stopper your single sink for washing and rinsing.
- Do not pre-rinse dishes prior to loading in a dishwasher.
- Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they have a full load or adjust water levels for smaller loads.
- Choose water-saving, energy-efficient models when purchasing new appliances.
- Install low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads.
- Do not let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Reuse clean household water. Collect the water that is wasted while waiting for the hot water to reach the faucet or showerhead and use it to water your plants.
- Take a shower instead of a bath. When taking a bath, use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first, and then adjusting the temperature as the tub fills. Try only filling the tub half full.
- Wash produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap. Use the rinse water to water plants.
- Refrigerate a pitcher of drinking water instead of letting a faucet flow until the water is cold enough to drink.
- Insulate hot water pipes so water does not have to run as long to get hot water to the faucet.
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