Top 10 Tips to Conserve Water

1. Work with your local water authority.

• Find out the source of your school's water.
• Learn how your utility measures water use.
• Read meters monthly. Analyze water use over a school year, over a calendar year, and from season to season.
• Discuss how your school can conserve water and how to set realistic goals.
• Obtain posters, leaflets and possible speakers or activities.

2. Establish water-efficient irrigation practices (typically the #1 use of water for schools).

• Install an automatic rain shut-off device on sprinkler systems.
• Adjust the irrigation schedule for seasonal changes.
• Be sure all hoses have shut-off nozzles.
• Use drip irrigation systems instead of sprinklers.
• Shut off the water supply to equipment or areas that are not used.

3. Harvest and recycle rainwater.

• Set up a water collection system to gather rain for watering plants and other non-potable uses.
• Examine the benefits of artificial turf versus grass on athletic fields to save water and maintenance costs.

4. Reduce air conditioning and water cooling.

• Shut off water cooling systems when not in use.
• Reduce cooling needs by setting the air conditioner's thermostat 2-3 degrees higher.
• Adjust ice machines to make less ice if there is a surplus.

5. Go "low flow."

• Install low-flow water aerators in washrooms.
• Add water displacement devices such as bags or weighted bottles in toilet tanks.
• Retrofit flushometer or tankless toilets with water-saving diaphragms to save one gallon per flush.
• Replace old toilets with new low-volume models. Old toilets use as much as 4.5 gallons per flush, while low-volume toilets use only 1.6 gallons.
• Replace old shower heads and faucets with low-volume models, which use only 2 gallons per minute versus 3 gallons for old models.

6. Repair leaks.

• One leaking toilet can waste more than 50 gallons of water each day.
• A dripping faucet or shower head can waste up to 1,000 gallons per week!
• Monitor the toilets and faucets inside and outside the school regularly.
• Check for leaks and set dates for reporting and repair.

7. Reduce water used in food preparation.

• Replace standard pre-rinse sprayers with low-flow models.
• Sweep floors and walkways instead of using water when possible.
• Turn down hot water temperatures for dishwashing or cleaning.
• Promote full dishwasher use; dishwashers use 6 gallons a load while hand washing uses 3 gallons a minute.

8. Landscape school grounds for water efficiency.

• Mulch around plants and trees to reduce evaporation and weeds.
• Preserve existing plants for shade, moisture retention and wildlife habitat.
• Plant trees, drought-resistant plants and shrubs, especially on hillsides or banks.

9. Manage water runoff.

• Look for areas around the school that have eroded due to storm water runoff.
• Add vegetation or water retention areas to prevent further erosion.
• Use permeable surfaces for parking lots and other areas.

10. Create a culture of water conservation among staff, students and parents.

• Post colorful stickers and signs to promote water conservation.
• Compare water use over time, starting before the water conservation program begins.
• Display your progress on bulletin boards and displays around the school.
• Hold school or community events that focus on water conservation actions and wastewater issues.