The State of Florida is under a dry spell that started last month and has worsened throughout March. Residents of St. Pete Beach can help the community conserve water at home when we adopt these practices.
Indoor Water Conservation Tips
- Do not let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
- Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it, like watering your plants.
- Check your home’s plumbing for leaks and have these repaired by a plumber.
- Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Consider as well to purchase low-volume toilet that uses less than half of the water of older models.
- Replace shower heads with ultra low-flow version.
- Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.
- Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded. Or set the appropriate water level for the size of your laundry load.
- Drink water in a jug in the refrigerator.
- Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
- Hand wash dishes by filling two containers – one with soapy water and the other with rinse water.
- Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
- Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator instead of using running water to thaw meat.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
- Consider rainwater harvesting to be used for watering plants.
- Check your well pump periodically, look for possible leaks.
- Position your sprinklers to where water can land on lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.
- Avoid leaving sprinklers and hoses unattended.
- Water during early morning or evening. Less water loss occurs from evaporation at these times because of cooler temperatures.
- Avoid fertilizing as fertilizer can increase the need for water of your plant/grass. Should you fertilize your lawn, apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
- An alternative to hand watering is choosing soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems to water your trees, shrubs, and flowers as this is water-efficient.
- Move container plants to shaded areas to reduce their water needs.
- Use melch around trees and plants to retain moisture and control weeds that may compete with plants for water.
- For those with pools, install a water-saving pool filter.
- Refrain from using a handheld hose when washing your car. Fill a bucket with water and use a sponge to apply the water.
- Use a blower or a broom instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.
