2011 News

Water Conservation Tips

       Save Money and Protect our Natural Resources!

·         IMPORTANT - Check all plumbing for leaks. 90% of high water bills are caused by leaks. See a leak?  Call the Office Immediately – 824-6767!

·         Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.

·         Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.  When justified, we are replacing old appliances with Energy-star rated appliances when apartment leases are renewed.  Ask the Office for more information.

Bathroom, Kitchen and Laundry Tips . . . .

• Leaky toilets cause more water waste than any other fixture in the home. The cause of most toilet leaks is a worn out flapper or ball-cock.  If you hear your toilet running, Call the Office Immediately – 824-6767!
• Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts and provides enough flow to flush properly.
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Avoid taking baths - take short showers - turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.  Less water is used by filling the basin as opposed to letting the water run continuously.
• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the "light wash" feature, if available, to use less water.

• Hand wash dishes by filling two containers - one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
• Simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
• Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove large particles of food. (Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing)
• Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.

• Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.