Introduction to Water Conservation

       
Water conservation is important for both water suppliers and water users. Water shortages may occur because of a drought, contaminated water sources or damage to water pipes. Residential water users can increase water efficiency and decrease utility bills through short-term and long-term conservation measures. 

Short-term water conservation measures are actions that may be taken in response to a water shortage, while long-term water conservation often involves a change in behavior or installation of newer appliances or home/yard modifications. Consumers may wish to incorporate short-term actions into their long-term behavior to minimize the impact of future shortages on everyday life and to reduce water and electric utility bills.  
           

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

Homeowner Tips to Reduce Water Use

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. dry clothes on a line installed in the garage or outside.
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 minimum amounts of fertilizer for the lawn and plants.
Avoid washing your car.	Use automatic car washes that recycle the water. If you wash your car at home, invest in high-quality soap, use warm water and turn off the water while washing.

Web Sites Addressing Water Conservation Issues

EPA Water Sense Program: WaterSense was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide a market for products that improve water efficiency.

EPA Water Conservation Techniques and Computer Program for Homeowner Use: Access a computer program that can calculate the amount of water saved with the installation of water-conserving applicances. 

Kentucky American Water: Information about the Bluegrass Water Supply Commission water supplies in central Kentucky and water conservation issues.

American Water and Energy Savers: This Web site lists 49 ways a person can save water. 

SAHRA Residential Water Conservation: SAHRA Science and Technology Center provides a room-by-room guide to help homeowners save water.

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 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.

Cutting Electricity Use

Cutting the amount of electricity used also decreases water use. Electricity is often used to pump water to locations where the water is used. According to the U.S. EPA WaterSense Web site, U.S. power plants use 136 billion gallons of fresh water each day in the production of electricity. 

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.