Water Conservation

Last modified Thursday, April 12, 2007 9:43

Because the region depends on surface water for most of our water, wise use of our water resources is vital to the continued prosperity of metro Atlanta, even when rainfall is plentiful. In times of drought, every drop counts.

Water Use It Wisely, sponsored by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, offers simple but valuable tips for conserving water:  

• Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak.  Fix it, and save hundreds of gallons. 
• If you have an old toilet, install a new low-volume one and save 50 – 75 percent of toilet water used.
• Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation to save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
• Water your lawn only when needed.  You can tell by simply walking across your lawn.  If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
• Place an empty tuna can on your lawn to catch and measure the water output of your sprinklers. Only one inch per week.
• Study your water bill to track changes in your water usage.  If you have spikes in your bill, you might have a leak. Fixing leaks can save water and money.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install and can save you more than 500 gallons a week.

Video: "Water Conservation"  Windows Media Player  Video: "Our Water, Our Future"  Windows Media Player

Find out how much water you use and other ways to conserve. Download the Household Water Assessment published by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.

The state limits outdoor watering year-round. Do you know when you can water? Find out here?

For more tips, go to Water Use it Wisely.