In the state known for its 14,000-foot peaks, saving water is important regardless of how deep the snowpack is every year.
Conserving water must become a routine way of life.
In Colorado, residents use between 85-100 gallons of water per person per day. Here are some “Fourteeners” to help you reduce indoor water use.
COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS
14 WAYS TO SAVE INDOORS
1
FIX OR FIND LEAKS
Contact your water provider for help if you suspect an unidentified leak.
2
AVOID DRIPS
Replace washers in dripping faucets. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year.
3
PREVENT TOILET LEAKS
To check for toilet leaks, add a couple drops of food color to the back tank. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak. You can save thousands of gallons per year by repairing a leaky toilet flapper.
4
BUY WATERSENSE® PRODUCTS
WaterSense® labeled products save water inside and outside the home without sacrificing performance. Replacing old toilets can save at least 11,000 gallons a year!
5
TOSS INSTEAD OF FLUSHING
Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
6
DON'T BE A SHOWER HOG
Shortening a shower by only 1-2 minutes saves up to 700 gallons per year.
7
BRUSH AND WASH
Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash your face or shave after filling the basin.
8
SHOWER SENSE
A WaterSense® labeled showerhead can reduce the average family’s annual water use by 2,900 gallons, save more than $70 per year in energy and water costs, and conserve the amount of energy needed to power a home for 13 days every year!
9
COMPOST
Using the compost bin or garbage to dispose of food rather than the garbage disposal can save 50 to 150 gallons per month.
10
PACK YOUR WASHERS
Operate dish and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded.
11
SWITCH UP YOUR CLOTHES WASHER
By using a water-efficient clothes washer, you save about 27 gallons per load.
12
GO RETRO
Retrofit bathroom faucets with 1 gallon per minute (gpm) faucet aerators.
13
DEFROST IN THE FRIDGE
Avoiding running water to defrost food saves 50 to 150 gallons per month.
14
GET HELP
Check with your water provider for programs that can help you save water and money.
Our love of the outdoor lifestyle in Colorado makes our yards, parks and open spaces of primo importance.
Using water wisely outdoors is one of the best ways to save water.
Here are some “Fourteeners” to help you reduce outdoor water use.
COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS
14 WAYS TO SAVE OUTDOORS
1
DON'T RUN OFF
Only apply as much water as the soil can absorb. Use the Cycle and Soak method—break watering times into 3 short cycles, allowing an hour of soak time in between.
2
PROGRAM YOUR SPRINKLER
By programming your automatic sprinkler system to fit the weather conditions, you water when the plants need it, not by the clock.
3
RIGHT TIME YOUR WATERING
Water during the cooler hours and avoid sprinkling on windy days.
4
BE WEATHER SMART
If it has rained in the past few days, or will rain soon, don’t water.
5
PLANT THE RIGHT PLANTS
Choose Plant Select® plants that thrive in Rocky Mountain gardens.
6
DON'T WATER THE SIDEWALK
Don’t water the sidewalk, rocks or road. They won’t grow.
7
AERATE
Aerate in the spring or fall to open up soil to absorb more moisture.
8
SWEEP
Don’t waste water by spraying off a driveway or sidewalk, use a broom instead.
9
INSTALL SMART SPRINKLERS
Use efficient technology like drip irrigation, rotary spray nozzles, and smart irrigation controllers.
10
CHECK FOR LEAKS
Check sprinkler systems and timing devices to be sure they are operating properly.
11
RAISE YOUR BLADE
Cut grass at least three inches in height to encourage deeper roots and better moisture retention. Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade.
12
AVOID OVER-FERTILIZING
The application of fertilizers increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
13
MULCH
Mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulching also helps to control weeds that compete with plants for water.
14
XERISCAPE
Xeriscape is based on a combination of seven common sense principles to save water while creating lush, beautiful landscapes.
