We’ve gathered the best tips from our Utilities, Water Resources, Inspections, and Utility Billing staff to create an easy list of ways you can save water and lower your utility bill:
- Identify toilet leaks by placing a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl within 15 minutes, you have a leak. A worn flapper is the most common cause by far, and can be easily replaced.
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Consider installing a new toilet that uses 1.6 gallons per flush or less. Older toilets use 3.5 gallons per flush or more. Even better, consider installing a toilet that has two flushing options.
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Find and fix any leaky faucets. One drip per second can add up to 5 gallons of lost water per day.
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Install water saving shower heads. Older shower heads use 5 gallons or more per minute. The new heads use less than half of that.
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Consider replacing your clothes washer with a high efficiency model.
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Watch your water softener’s regeneration cycle. The normal regeneration time is 2 hours and takes place during the night. If not set correctly, your softener can be a major source of water usage.
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Water your lawn in the morning because when it’s hot and sunny, most of the water evaporates before the plants have time to drink it.
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Follow the City’s odd/even watering requirements. This requirement also applies to irrigation systems.
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Look at your water meter when all your water outlets are off. If it’s still registering water usage you have a leak somewhere.
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Monitor your water bill closely and call Utility Billing at (651) 675-5030 if you notice any spikes in usage.
