With almost the entirety of Western New York listed as suffering from a “Severe Drought,” the Red Cross is offering water conservation tips for homeowners and businesses.
Indoor Water Conservation Tips:
- Repair dripping faucets.
- Make sure homes are leak-free.
- Take shorter showers.
- Don’t let the water run while brushing teeth, or shaving.
- Operate dishwashers only when they are full using “light wash” feature.
- Start a compost pile as an alternate way to dispose of food waste.
- Only operate laundry machines when they are full, or set the water level according to the size of your load.
- When purchasing a new appliance, choose one that is energy and water efficient.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips:
- Reuse excess water to water lawn and garden.
- Keep lawn and garden watering to a minimum and water in short sessions.
- Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
- Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees.
- Cover pools and spas when not in use to reduce evaporation of water.
- If you have a well at home, check your pump periodically. If the pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.
For more information on drought preparedness, visit www.redcross.org.
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