It's a drought ..... Do Something!

Even though we have received significant snows this year we are still way below the average storage in our reservoirs. Aurora says that i's reservoirs are at 25% capacity where as they normally are at least 65% capacity. Aurora estimates that it will take 5 years to get back to normal capacity. It is also very likely that the drought will continue for another season or more. Even if not, we are certain to have another drought that will be worse one of these days. It is also certain that our population will grow. Thus we need to take actions to do our part in reducing the volumes of water that we use. We need to face our responsibilities to use water resources wisely which we can start by educating ourselves and take ACTION.

The Colorado Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited had an article in the March 2003 issue of their newsletter regarding actions that we can take to help reduce our water usage. The information they presented was from the Denver Water and Northern Water Conservancy District. I present that information here for your benefit. I have added a few comments that other members of our chapter have brought up about a few of the details. Do what you can to help.

Single and multifamily residential customers in Denver Water's service area who replace guzzling toilets and clothes washers with water-efficient models will get cash back. The program offers a $100 rebate for each older model toilet replaced with one certified ultra-low-volume (ULV) toilet. Older model toilets use from 3 - 5 gallons per flush; ULVs use 1.6 gallons per flush. The rebate is limited to two toilets per house hold.

A $125 rebate is available to customers who replace traditional top loading clothes washers with horizontal axis/front loading washers. A horizontal axis/front loading models use only 20 gallons; a typical washer uses 45 gallons per load.

BATHROOMS:

Flush toilets only when necessary. Try to flush two fewer times per day. I have heard others say "Flush when it is brown"

Sower quickly (no more than five minutes).

Fix all leaky toilets,faucets and pipes.

Install a low-flow shower head and take only a 4 minute shower or 3-inch bath. (Showers use less water than baths)

Replace you high-water use toilets with new low flow ones.

Insulate your water heater and water pipes so you waste less while waiting for hot water to flow.

Catch water in a bucket or watering can while waiting for hot or cold water. Water house plant, or use to flush a toilet.

Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth, and lathering in the shower.

Shave with a small amount of water in the sink rather than running water.

Put a water displacement bag or plastic bottle in each toilet tank. (If you find yourself needing to flush twice then that is not a savings. Try a smaller container)

Test your toilet:

Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the color appears in the toilet bowl within 30 seconds, your toilet is leaking. Check for worn out, corroded or bent parts which are inexpensive and can be easily installed. Be sure to flush as soon as the test is done, since food coloring may stain the tank.

LAUNDRY & KITCHEN

Wash only full loads (laundry and dishwasher).

Wash vegetables and fruits in a bowl or basin using a vegetable brush; don't let the water run. Use water for house plants.

If you have to pre-rinse dishes, soak them instead of running the faucet water.

Chill drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet until the water is cold.

Defrost food in the refrigerator, not in a pan of water on the counter or in the sink. Besides saving water, it's less likely to breed bacteria.

LAWNS

 The Cutthroat Chapter newsletter did not address lawns. Like how to accurately tell whether you need to water. An organization representing the profession lawn care industry, which I do not recall the name of, states that you should water only twice a week and that there are simple methods for determining whether you need to water. Unfortunately I do recall the details of that either. You see I do not have a lawn to take care. Nor did the Cuthtroat Chapter article address landscaping techniques like Zeroscape (I think my spelling is wrong here). If you need to alter your lawn for resale appeal or just because you want to, this may be a very good time for you to incorporate zeroscape techniques.

When I find websites that present details on all of these ideas I will add links here.