Tips to Save Water
Water is one of the world’s most essential resources, and saving water is critical to a long-term plan for efficient water usage. Not only is it good for the environment, but every gallon saved is less we have to purchase from other sources. Here are some simple daily actions you can take to conserve.
To explore more, find how-to videos, and tools to help you conserve, visit our conservation website, CRconserve.com, designed just for Castle Rock.
Check for leaks
Five to 10 percent of all households have water leaks that drip 90 gallons* a day! Tighten the faucet and check for leaks in a toilet by putting blue food coloring in the tank. If it seeps into the bowl, you have a leak. Be sure to flush the color out or it will stain!
See how to find leaks in the home.
Install efficient water fixtures
WaterSense labeled products use 20 percent less water than standard models*. Thousands of new faucets, toilets, shower heads, dishwashers and washing machines have been labeled WaterSense efficient.
The easiest way to reduce water usage is not pouring it on the lawn. Reduce your turf area and install decks, stone accents, and native plants for more diverse and beautiful landscape. Find design tips and plants adapted to Castle Rock’s climate at CRconserve.com.
Around 50 percent of our water goes toward watering the lawn and outdoor plants. Water deeply and less often - cycle and soak - to prevent overwatering and wasted runoff. We have a video to show you how!
Water at night
Heat and wind greatly affect evaporation, so watering during the day is inefficient. Castle Rock allows watering early in the morning, before 8 a.m. or later in the evening, after 8 p.m. and no more than every third day. Watering schedules are enforced May 1 to Sept. 31.
Check your sprinklers - often
Don’t just set them and forget them. Monitor your sprinklers periodically to adjust misaligned sprinklers causing overspray on to the street or sidewalk. Re-program your controller to adjust for seasonal weather changes, like cooler weather and rain!
Turn it off
Save around 2 gallons of water a minute by turning off the tap while you brush your teeth and shave.* For a shave, fill a plugged sink with a bit of water for rinsing.
Do full loads
Make sure your dishwasher and clothes washing machine are full before running them to save water and energy.
Fill the sink
While washing dishes, fill the sink with rinse water rather than using running water. Better yet, scrape your plate and put it in the dishwasher which uses about one-third of the water than washing by hand.
The toilet is one of the biggest user of water inside the house, even more than a clothes washer*. Flush only when necessary and don’t throw tissues or other ‘disposable’ items in the toilet.
At the car wash
If washing your car at home, use a bucket and sponge, and an auto-shut off nozzle on your hose. Better yet, take it to a recycling water car wash.
*Statistics can be found at EPA.gov