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Water Conservation Tips in Flood Conditions

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  • Make sure your sump pump drains outside, not to the sewer.
  • Reduce baths/showers.
  • Reduce clothes washing.
  • Don’t use garbage disposal.
  • Run dishwasher only with a full load.
  • Reduce flushing.
  • Check and fix leaks.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

KITCHEN
  • Don’t run water for things such as thawing food.
  • Don’t let water run while rinsing dishes. Consider rinsing dishes in the running water while slowly filling the wash side. Or fill one side for wash and one side for rinse.
  • Keep pitcher of water in refrigerator for cold drinks.
  • Use disposable dishes to reduce your dishwashing.
  • Reduce the amount of water you cook food in.
  • Throw fruits and vegetables into compost or the garbage. Do not use the garbage disposal.
  • Soak pots and pans rather than running water on them as you scrape them.
LAUNDRY
  • Match the water level to the load.
  • If you have a private septic system, use the laundromat to reduce water pumped into your septic system.
  • Only wash what is needed.
BATHROOM
  • Fill a glass of water to use when brushing your teeth.
  • Do not let water run while shaving. Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water to rinse your razor.
  • Do not let water run while lathering soap for hand washing.
  • Reduce number of showers and limit your time. Turn off water while shampooing and conditioning.
  • Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
  • If your toilet was installed prior to 1980, place a toilet dam or bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water used for each flush. Always be sure that at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush properly.
  • Reuse your towels.
  • Check for leaks by adding food color to the tank and watch for colored water leaking into the bowl.
  • An old adage… If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.
IN GENERAL
  • If you are not using conservation faucets and showerheads, buy them and install them. Faucet aerators will restrict the amount of water going through your faucet while appearing to have the same flow.
  • Reuse water. Leftover ice cubes, the dog's old dish water, water used to wash produce and water from the fish tank can all be used to water your plants.