DENVER -- Two days before U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman on Aug. 13 added Pennsylvania and much of Arizona to the growing list of drought-stricken states, the American Water Works Association predicted the move.

 Offering a cache of water conservation publications for residents and businesses, the association warned that more states would soon force water rationing restrictions on one of life's basic elements. "It's quality and accessibility has allowed consumers to take it for granted," said association executive director Jack Hoffbuhr.  

Nearly half the nation's states are somehow affected by arid conditions, among them states that make it temporarily illegal to perform certain water thirsty activities. The mandatory provisions are designed to help reduce the 350 gallons of water the average household uses every day, according to the association.  

Not only are the provisions designed to cut water use, but also to protect coastal area residents from the contamination threat of salt water intrusion into the drought-lowered fresh water table.  

Here's a list of basic water saving techniques to use every day, in or out of a drought, along with any mandatory restrictions imposed by your state.

Install water-saving devices  

Showers, faucets and toilets are among the greatest water wasters, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  

Install shower heads with a flow rate of three gallons or less per minute. They can save 75 gallons of water during a normal 10-minute shower.  

Low-flow aerators for the kitchen and bathroom can reduce the the standard  five gallons-a-minute flow from faucets to just two gallons a minute. That's about 60 gallons a month for a typical family of four, FEMA says.  

Ultra-low-flush toilets take a little getting used to, but they do work when used as instructed. The can save about to 42 gallons a day. Some water districts' rebates on the toilets' purchase price, makes buying them virtually free of cost. If you don't get a low-water use toilet, you can buy a water dam for the toilet tank or make one with a plastic bottle filled with water and weighted with stones. The dams replace water, thereby reducing its use. Some water utilities also offer similar toilet bags as another free option. Do not use bricks or other permeable objects that can deteriorate into debris that damages the plumbing system.

Hot water recirculation sytems, at just under $1,000, might at first appear expensive, but after examining the savings vs. operating costs over time you'll realize a savings on both water and power:

Always keep shower heads, faucets, and toilet valves in good working condition and free of leaks that waste water.

Change your water use habits

 
• Use the washing machine, dish washer and garbage disposal only when fully loaded.
• When brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands, instead of allowing the tap water to run, use a cup or bowl, and run the tap just to rinse the toothbrush, shaver or your hands.  
• Use a pan when washing vegetables or rinsing dishes in the kitchen instead of running water constantly.  
• Take shallow water baths instead of showers, especially if you don't have low-flow shower heads installed.

Cut down on water use outside   

Approximately 65 percent of residential water is used outside the home, according to the water works association.  Give priority to shrubs that are more expensive and harder to replace than grass and annual plants. During rationing water them with "gray water" saved from bathing, dish washing and clothes washing, if permitted by your local health department. Re-landscape with drought tolerant grass, shrub and flower species. For non-potable water needs like watering plants and washing the car, be prepared to collect water in tubs and other containers if it does rain.  

Water plants in the evening when there's less chance of evaporation. Use drip irrigation that soaks directly into the soil. Sprinklers spray water making it more susceptible to evaporation.  

Also wash motor vehicles from a bucket rather than from the water hose, use pool and hot tub or sauna covers to cut down on evaporation. Minimize diving, vigorous play and other activities that will splash water out of the pool or hot tub.  

Even when the drought ends, continue these and other water conservation techniques. Water is a precious resource. Don't waste it.

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Published: August 20, 1999

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