Water Utilities

The Department of Water Utilities is ever mindful of the amount of water that is used each day, and asks that each citizen take an interest in conserving water and reducing the amount of water lost unnecessarily each year.

Top Ten Tips For Conserving Water

1. Don’t water the pavement! Clean the driveway, patio, sidewalk and garage floor with a broom rather than a hose. Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid spraying drives and sidewalks, and turn off the water when it begins to flow on the paved surfaces. (Studies have shown that concrete and asphalt do NOT continue to grow!)
2. Water lawns in the early morning or late evening hours when evaporation rates are at their lowest. Monitor automatic sprinkler systems to insure that they don’t operate when it is raining, or when ground moisture levels are sufficient for plant growth. Manually operating your system through watering cycles once or twice per week is usually best. Rule of thumb: water to achieve one inch per week of combined rain and sprinkler water.
3. Wait until you have a full load of clothes for the washing machine, or a full load of dishes for the dishwasher.
4. Install low-flow showerheads and ultra low-flush toilets.
5. Rinse dishes in a pan; don’t rinse under running water.
6. Reduce the level of water in your bath tub – instead of 10 inches try using only 3.
7. Stop those leaks!! Check your indoor water-using appliances and devices as well as outdoor plumbing fixtures and faucets for leaks. Studies have shown that homes can waste more than 10 gallons per day due to minor leaks, which adds up to costs to you and the environment.
8. Park your car in the grass while washing it, thereby watering the lawn at the same time. Use a hose-end sprayer that shuts off while not in use, or turn off the hose between rinses.
9. Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking. You will not have to run faucet water until it gets cold.
10. Turn water off while brushing your teeth or while shaving, then back on to rinse.

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City of Ruston Water Conservation Brochure