Red Cross offers water conservation tips

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.