Introduction to Water Conservation

       
Water conservation is important for both water suppliers and water users.  Residential water users can improve water efficiency in a variety of ways, decreasing both their water use and utility bills.  Short-term water conservation measures are actions that may be taken in response to a water shortage.  Water shortages may occur because of a drought, contaminated water sources or damage to water pipes.  Long-term water conservation often involves a change in behavior or installation of newer appliances or home/yard modifications.  However, some individuals may wish to incorporate short-term actions into their long-term behavior.  Reasons to continue short-term actions when there is no water shortage are to minimize the impact of future shortages on everyday life and to reduce water and electric utility bills.  Ultimately, long-term actions may prevent the need for short-term actions in the future. 
           

Barren River Lake, June 2007, photo courtesy of Dr. Stuart Foster,  Western Kentucky University, State Climatologist

Homeowner Tips

The homeowner tips below provide some examples of both short-term and long-term actions residential water users can take to reduce the consumption of water.  The links to Web sites on the following page provide additional information regarding recommendations for ways to save water in the short-term and in the long-term.  Information about energy and water saving appliances available for residential use and native plant species may be found on these Web sites.

Short-Term	Long-Term
Repair leaking toilets, faucets, and hoses.	Replace existing toilet with a 1.6 gallon toilet that uses less water per flush.
Shorten the length of showers.	Replace existing showerhead with a low flow showerhead.
Avoid running the water while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.	Insulate your water pipes.
Completely load dishwashers and clothes washers prior to operation.	Replace existing appliances with energy efficient dishwashers and clothes washers; install a clothesline in the garage or outside to avoid excessive use of the dryer.
Avoid using the garbage disposal.	Build a compost pile in your backyard in which to place your food wastes.
Water your lawn, shrubs, and perennial plants in the morning, and only when necessary.	Plant native species for your geographic area.
Adjust the lawn mower blade to at least 3 inches to maintain moisture and minimize drying of the grass.	Use only the necessary amount of fertilizer for the lawn and plants.
Avoid washing your car unless necessary.	Use automatic car washes that recycle the water.  If you wash your car at home invest in soap of high quality and use warm water, and do not allow the water to run while washing the car.

Web Sites Addressing Water Conservation Issues

EPA Water Sense Program:  WaterSense is a program developed by the U.S. EPA.  The goal of the program is to provide a market for products that improve water efficiency in an effort to protect the U.S. water supply.  The Web site provides information regarding ways to conserve water and about products you may purchase to reduce water use.

EPA Water Conservation Techniques and Computer Program for Homeowner Use: This Web site provides information on ways to conserve water.  However, the focus of the Web site is a publicly available computer program that can calculate the amount of water saved as a result of the installation of a new appliance(s).  The program is an excellent tool for someone who may wish to invest in a more efficient toilet or dishwasher but who does not know how much of an impact the installation of a new appliance will have on their water use.

Kentucky American Water: Information about the Bluegrass Water Supply Commission water supplies in Central Kentucky and water conservation issues may be found on their Web site.

American Water and Energy Savers: This Web site lists 49 ways a person can save water.  Some of the suggestions are extremely simple and require minimal or no effort.  The Web site also has information regarding water leaks and a new type of water efficient toilet.

SAHRA Residential Water Conservation: SAHRA Science and Technology Center has a room by room guide to help homeowners save water.  Information about leak detection may also be accessed on the Web site.

Salato Native Plant Program:  The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' Web site provides information about native Kentucky plants and offers a native plant sale for residents wanting to purchase native plants for their gardens.

Water Utility Web Sites

Bowling Green Municipal Utilities:  The Web site provides online contact information for customers of BGMU and water quality and safety information.

Frankfort Plant Board:  The Web site provides online contact and water quality information for their water users.

Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District:   The Web site provides information about the watershed approach to water for the area and contact information for water users.

Northern Kentucky Water District:  Water quality, conservation and contact information is located on the Web site for water users in the area.

Owensboro Municipal Utilities:   Water quality, conservation and contact information for water users in the Owensboro area is provided on the Web site.

Paducah Water:  Fun water facts and statistics, water conservation and customer service information are located on the Web site.

Water Utilities in Kentucky:  Statewide water utility contact information for utilities not listed individually above or for those who do not have a Web site may be accessed from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority Web site.

Decreasing Electricity Use

Decreasing the amount of electricity used also decreases water use.  Often electricity must be used to pump water to locations where the water is used.  According to the U.S. EPA WaterSense Web site, 136 billion gallons of freshwater is used each day for the operation of U.S. powerplants.  Therefore, by reducing electricity use, the amount of water required to power an electric utility is reduced.

Division of Renewable Energy and Efficiency:  The Web site provides information about ENERGY STAR, Arbor Day, sustainable buildings, renewable energy and energy conservation suggestions for residential industrial and government uses.

KY EXCEL:  A program designed to encourage and assist an organization in conducting projects that improve Kentucky’s environment.

Energy Information Administration:  Data and statistics regarding types of energy fuels and energy use are available on this Web site.

Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives: Information regarding electricity consumption, conservation, sources of fuel and contact information for customers is provided on the Web site.

E.ON:  Contact information, types of fuel, conservation and consumption of electricity is provided on the Web site.