97% of the earth's water is in our oceans and 2% is trapped in icecaps and glaciers. This leaves about 1% of the earth's water available for human consumption. It's easy to understand, then, that our domestic water supply is a manufactured product whose raw material is limited. Environmental and financial restrictions also limit the supply available at any given time. This means that our water supply has to go a long way towards satisfying all the competing interests: residential - including drinking and sanitation, manufacturing, environmental, agricultural, and recreational.

    Philosophically, conserving water makes good sense for those reasons stated above. Practically speaking, conserving water makes sense for the following reasons. Conserving water conserves energy - gas, electric or both. Conserving water can reduce our monthly water and sewer bills now. Finally, conserving water can postpone the construction of or eliminate the need to build expensive capital projects such as wastewater or water treatment plants that will need future maintenance. Most of us have come to realize that efficient management of our natural resources is a necessity if we are to ensure an adequate supply of water for our future needs.

The following are some frequently asked questions about water conservation and the answers we provide.

What activity in the home uses the most water?
Washing Clothes followed by taking showers.

What fixture in the home is notorious for hidden leaks?
Toilets. The most common problem is a faulty toilet flapper.

Is there a way to check my toilet for a leak?
Yes. Put food coloring or a dye tablet into the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes. Check the bowl - if water is colored, you have a leak.

How much water can a dripping faucet waste?
A leaky faucet can waste up to 3 gallons (or more) of water per day.

When should I water my lawn?
Early in the morning or late in the evening are the best times to water your lawn because evaporation is kept to a minimum.

How often should I water my lawn?
It depends on the type of soil you have. For sandy soil, water 2-3 times per week but for short periods of time. For clay soils, water thoroughly, but less often. This will encourage a deeper root zone.