Water Conservation Tips

Cold Weather Water Tips

Before Freezing Weather Sets In:

Wrap exposed pipes

Cover any exposed pipes with insulating material.

Secure basements against the cold

Plug up drafty cracks and repair broken window panes.

Block air passages into crawl spaces

Cover outside vents to prevent cold air from entering crawl spaces and freezing pipes.

Check outside faucets

Remove hoses from outside faucets and check the washers to be sure there are no leaks, which could freeze.

Locate your shut-off valve

Make sure every member of the household knows where your main water shut-off valve is located. The shut-off valve should be used in the event of a burst pipe or if you have a significant leak. The shut-off valve is usually located where the water pipe enters your house or on a vertical pipe leading from the point of entry inside your basement wall or crawl space. In some homes, it can be found in the utility room.

During Freezing Weather:

Keep meter box lids closed

Do not open your meter box, as injuries can result from lids, which are not properly secured. Also, cold air can freeze the meter. If you notice a meter box lid that is not properly secured, please call HWEA.

Make sure heat reaches your pipes

If your pipes are enclosed in a cabinet under the bathroom or kitchen sink, leave the doors open so the heat can keep pipes from freezing.

Keep a trickle of water running

During periods of low usage and particularly on sub-zero nights, keep a trickle of water running from the faucet highest in the home. This trickle should be a steady stream.

If You Have a Frozen Pipe:

Never use an open flame.
Never try to thaw a pipe with a flame, because you may start a fire.

Summer Water Conservation Tips

• Please use only the water you need and honor the conservation techniques that will allow for unrestricted water use throughout the summer.
• Water your lawn at night or very early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
• Direct your sprinklers so that they do not water the street or your driveway instead of your lawn.
• Don’t run your sprinklers unless your yard needs it. And check plants before watering to make sure they need any. If the soil is wet, wait another day or two before watering.
• Sweep off sidewalks instead of relying on your water hose to clean them off.
• Check hoses and faucets, indoors and out, for leaks. Toilets, too!
• Install rain barrels to capture what little rain we receive, and use the water to feed plants, or hook up your sprinkler to it.
• Only run your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load. This can save you up to 1000 gallons per month.
• Wash your car with a few bucket loads of water instead of going to the car wash or using a hose.
• Store cold drinking water in the refrigerator to reduce your dependence on cold tap water.
• Mulch your flower beds to help retain moisture.
• When buying a new dishwasher or washing machine, opt for an energy-efficient model, which can save you on both water and electric consumption.
• Take shorter showers in the Summer, and avoid baths.
• Install low-flow shower heads, and replace old toilets with low-flow models.
• Bathe your dog outside, so your lawn gets to use the water, too!
• Reuse towels as much as possible, and don’t forget to turn off the sink while shaving and brushing teeth.