- Your Government
- Sustainable Living
- Water Conservation
Water is a renewable resource, and with wise management there can be enough to meet the needs of people, businesses, natural resources and wildlife. The City of Issaquah encourages water conservation and works with Cascade Water Alliance on efficiency programs.
Be Water Smart
You play a role in using water wisely and can save money in the process. Be conscious of the amount of water your household uses and look for ways to avoid waste.
Here are a few tips:
- Turn off the tap! This is an easy way to save water when brushing your teeth, shaving or washing dishes.
- Wash only full loads. Dishwashers and most clothes washers use the same amount of water with every cycle.
- Take a five minute shower! You'll find it's plenty of time – try it and see! Issaquah residents can contact Cascade Water Alliance for a free shower timer.
- Check toilets for leaks every year. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 10 minutes. If color shows in the bowl, you have a leak. Many leaks are silent and waste hundreds of gallons a day.
- Pay attention to outdoor water use. Water plants in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation and avoid big water bills. Use timers or irrigation controllers (but be sure to adjust weekly as plants' needs change dramatically from spring to summer and fall).
- Place mulch around plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, reduces water runoff and contributes nutrients to the soil.
- Consider allowing your lawn to go dormant. In the Pacific Northwest, lawns can go dormant and turn golden brown, but will come back in the fall.
- Wash your car at a local car wash. Car washes filter and recycle wash water – saving water and keeping oil and detergents out of storm drains and the lake.
- Shop for WaterSense labeled faucets, toilets and showerheads – they've been tested to reduce water use and provide exceptional performance.
Join the Climate Action Challenge
A great and fun way to conserve water is through the Issaquah Climate Action Challenge. In the Challenge, you select the actions specific to your journey, track your progress and watch your carbon footprint decline as you make changes at home. You can collaborate with your neighbors, share ideas and resources and work towards your goals together.
Learn more and join the Issaquah Climate Action Challenge today!