In 2003, the Town of Valdese initiated a water conservation program aimed at educating citizens on the need for conserving water and the methods for doing so.

Below is a list of thirty-three methods you can easily adopt into your own lifestyle for saving one of our most precious resources. These tips include ways to save water indoors, outdoors, and in general.`

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SAVING WATER INDOORS

1. Verify that your home is leak free. Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same there is a leak.

2. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your facet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons a year! This adds to the cost of water and sewer utilities, or can strain your septic system.

3. Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or for cleaning.

4. Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded. Set the water level for the size of the load you are using.

5. Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow.

6. Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

7. Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Instead of using a garbage disposal, start a compost pile as an alternative method of disposing of food waste. Garbage disposals can add 50% to the volume of solids in a septic tank, which can lead to malfunction and maintenance problems.

8. Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. (Flush as soon as test is done since food coloring may stain tank.)

9. If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.

10. Install a displacement device (a brick or a bottle) to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure that the installation does not interfere with the operating parts.

11. Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

12. Insulate your water pipes. You’ll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats.

13. Don’t let the water run while shaving, washing your face or brushing your teeth. Brush your teeth first while waiting for the water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin.

SAVING WATER OUTDOORS

14. If you have a well at home, periodically check the pump and listen to hear if the pump kicks on off when water is not being used. If it does, you have a leak.

15. Water lawns during the early morning hours when the temperatures are at the lowest of the day. This reduces loses from evaporation.

16. Don’t over-water your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every 5 to 7 days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. Most lawns only need about 1 inch of rain a week; buy a rain gauge to measure rainfall.

17. Position sprinklers so that water is aimed towards the lawn, not the street, driveway or walkways.

18. Install Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses to help maximize conservation.

19. Raise the lawn mower blade to three inches or more: Taller grass encourages deeper root systems and holds soil moisture better than shorter grass.

20. Apply mulch to retain moisture and control water-consuming weeds.

21. Plant native grasses or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering.

22. Use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from driveways and walkways.

23. Do not leave sprinklers unattended. A garden hose can pour our 600 gallons or more water in only a few hours. Use a kitchen timer to monitor usage.

24. Avoid recreational toys that require a constant stream of water.

25. When washing your car park it on the grass and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.

GENERAL WATER SAVING-TIPS

26. Get involved in water management issues. Voice your questions and concerns at public meetings.

27. Support efforts and programs that create a concern for water conservation among tourists and visitors to Valdese. Be sure that visitors understand the need for, and benefits of, water conservation.

28. Participate in water conservation projects in the schools.

29. Promote neighborhood water conservation efforts: Create community newsletters, bulletin boards and lead by example.

30. Be aware of and follow all Valdese water conservation and water shortage suggestions and policies. Never assume -- even if you have a private well – that you do not need to observe good water-use rules. Every drop counts.

31. Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace, perhaps through employee training programs.

32. Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers) to property owners or local authorities.

33. Try to do one thing every day that will result in saving water. Don’t worry if the savings are minimal. Every drop counts. You can make a difference.