Conserving water is one of the best ways to save money and support a healthy environment. The changing PNW climate means we will likely receive more rain in the winter and less rain in the summer. Average household water usage almost triples in the summer, when rainfall is at its lowest.
Most summertime water use is for lawns and gardens, but you can save water all year round inside. No matter when you use water, it always comes out of aquafers. Aquafers are like underground lakes, and they take a long time to refill if they get depleted. It is vital that we do not drain them faster than rain recharges them.
To see how to save water while maintaining a healthy lawn or garden, visit out Yard Care section. Here is how you can save water inside your own home!
Save Water & Save Green!
- Consider using an Energy Star dishwasher over washing dishes by hand. Remember to run dishwashers only when they are full.
- Monitor your water bill for unusually high use—it could mean a leak! Check all faucets, showers, tubs, and
- Try the water meter test to check for leaks: First, make sure all indoor and outdoor water is shut off, then record the reading of your water Wait 15 minutes and take a second reading of your meter. If the reading has changed, you might have a leak!
- Don’t use running water to thaw Defrost it in the refrigerator.
- If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace with a low-flow shower
- Turn off the water while you brush your teeth or shave to save up to 4 gallons a minute.
Local utility providers offer great rebates and incentives for saving water at home. Take a look at the list and see what you qualify for!
| Utility Provider | Who is Eligible? | Incentives & Rebates |
|---|---|---|
| LOTT Clean Water Alliance | LOTT Clean Water Alliance Sewer Customer (Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Unincorporated Thurston County) |
Sewer customers can pick up a free indoor water saving kit at LOTT or at each of the city halls. The kit includes a showerhead, kitchen and bathroom aerators, leak detection dye tablets, and installation instructions. For more information, visit LOTT Clean Water Rebates. |
| Lacey, Olympia & Tumwater | City Water Customers | Ultra-High efficiency MaP Premium rated toilets and Energy Star clothes washing machines.
See contact information below. |
| Lacey, Olympia & Tumwater | City Water Customers | Rain barrel rebates. Max. amount and number vary by jurisdiction. |
| Lacey, Olympia & Tumwater | City Water Customers | Outdoor Water Saving Kit Indoor Water Saving Kit “Smart” irrigation controller rebates, varies by jurisdiction. See contact information below. |
| Puget Sound Electric | Current PSE Residential Electric or Natural Gas Customer | Instant discounts up to $10 off WaterSense© showerheads, faucets, and faucet aerators at some local hardware stores. Look for the PSE logo on the items listed above to find instant discounts.
For more information, visit PSE Water Savings. |
For more information about indoor or outdoor water conservation programs listed above that are offered by the Cities of Lacey, Olympia or Tumwater go to the respective city’s webpage:
Source: Stream Team News, Spring 2011