Erin James Ling Virginia Master Well Owner Network Training Water Use and Conservation

How water is used in Virginia (millions of gallons per day)

US Water Use and Population ( ) 3

Why conserve? Protect your water quantity and quality Reduce the load to septic or sewer system Save $$$$ Save ENERGY used to move or heat water Protect resources for future generations Little effort produces significant results 4

Where is water used in the home? 69 gallons/person/day 5

Ways to conserve INDOORS Toilets Check for leaks by putting food coloring in tank Reduce number of flushes per day 1 less flush per person/day in US  would save enough water to create a lake one sq. mile 4 ft deep every day! Toilets made before 1993  3-8 gallons per flush; newer toilets use 1.6 gpf Improved toilets can save a family 14,000-17,000 gallons per year Install toilet tummy or 2 liter bottles in tank Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving! 6

Ways to conserve INDOORS Shower and Bath Reduce time spent in shower – get a timer! Install low-flow shower head – 2.5 gpm or less Bathe small kids together Reconsider baths – 50 or more gallons! Consider collecting water for plants, etc. Houseplants Collect water from washing produce, cooking, or cleaning fish tank to water plants Put discarded ice cubes in a plant rather than the sink 7

Ways to conserve INDOORS Kitchen Dishwashers New ones work! Don’t pre-wash dishes Run only when full Faucets Fix Leaks! One drip per second  2,700 gal/year Install low-flow faucet aerators Turn it off when not in use (washing dishes) Consider composting rather than garbage disposal Use as little water as possible when cooking 8

Ways to conserve INDOORS Laundry Consider purchasing energy efficient model (23 gallons per load compared to 40) Use cold setting whenever possible Pre-treat stains to avoid re-washing Only wash full loads, or adjust load size setting 9

Ways to conserve OUTSIDE Xeriscape – landscape in ways that do not require irrigation Plant species appropriate to your area (native), in practical areas of the yard Use mulch, manure and compost Group plants by water need If watering is necessary, do so in the morning hours Harvest rainwater using a cistern 10

Ways to conserve OUTSIDE Check for leaks – hoses, etc. Use the broom instead of hose to clean Install fewer impermeable surfaces Take the car to a carwash that recycles water Install backflow protector on all outdoor faucets and use backflow practices 11

Achieving Water Conservation Changes in Habits Little or no additional cost Quick effect Often temporary Water saving appliances or fixtures Can be expensive Most are easily installed Very effective Often permanent 12

Effect of Water Conservation 13 Normal use = 68 gallons per day per person Conservation use = 38 gallons per day per person

Estimated Annual Water and Energy Savings (family of four) 14 Water SavingsEnergy Savings Appliance(gallons)(kilowatt hours) Low-flush toilet18,000 0 Low-volume showerhead 4, Low-volume faucet 9, Front-loading washer13,0001,300 Water-efficient dishwasher Total44,6002,450 Annual Dollar Savings Water44,600 $0.005 per gallon ~ $225 Energy2,450 $0.08 per kWh ~ $200

15 Thanks! Questions?