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Water conservation
Water conservation refers to reducing the usage of water and recycling of waste water for different
purposes like cleaning, manufacturing, agriculture etc.

Home

Water-saving technology for the home includes:

Low-flow shower heads (sometimes called energy-efficient shower heads as they also use less energy,
due to less water being heated).[citation needed]

Low-flush toilets and composting toilets. These have a dramatic impact in the developed world, as
conventional Western toilets use large volumes of water.

Saline water (sea water) or rain water can be used for flushing toilets.

Faucet aerators, which break water flow into fine droplets to maintain "wetting effectiveness" while
using less water. An additional benefit is that they reduce splashing while washing hands and dishes.

Wastewater reuse or recycling systems, allowing:

Reuse of graywater for flushing toilets or watering gardens, and

Recycling of wastewater through purification at a water treatment plant. See also Wastewater - Reuse

Rainwater harvesting

High-efficiency clothes washers

Weather-based irrigation controllers

Hose nozzles that shut off water when it is not being used, instead of letting a hose run.

Water can also be conserved by landscaping with native plants and by changing behavior, such as
shortening showers and not running the faucet while brushing teeth.

25 ways to conserve water at home and yard

Water conservation has become an essential practice in all regions, even in areas where water seems
abundant.
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In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in
nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds.

Conserving water can also extend the life of your septic system by reducing soil saturation, and reducing
any pollution due to leaks. Overloading municipal sewer systems can also cause untreated sewage to
flow to lakes and rivers. The smaller the amount of water flowing through these systems, the lower the
likelihood of pollution. In some communities, costly sewage system expansion has been avoided by
communitywide household water conservation.

water conservation in the home...

1. Check faucets and pipes for leaks

A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste
hundreds of gallons.

2. Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket

Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of
water is wasted.

3. Check your toilets for leaks

Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl
within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are
inexpensive and easy to install.

4. Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks

Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the
meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

5. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators

Inexpensive water-saving low-flow shower heads or restrictors are easy for the homeowner to install.
Also, long, hot showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. Limit your showers to the
time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off. "Low-flow" means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per
minute.
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You can easily install a ShowerStart showerhead, or add a ShowerStart converter to existing
showerheads, which automatically pauses a running shower once it gets warm.

Also, all household faucets should be fit with aerators. This single best home water conservation method
is also the cheapest!

6. Put plastic bottles or float booster in your toilet tank

To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to
weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely
away from the operating mechanisms. Or, buy an inexpensive tank bank or float booster. This may save
ten or more gallons of water per day. Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush
properly.

For new installations, consider buying "low flush" toilets, which use 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of
the usual 3 to 5 gallons.

Replacing an 18 liter per flush toilet with an ultra-low volume (ULV) 6 liter flush model represents a 70%
savings in water flushed and will cut indoor water use by about 30%.

7. Insulate your water pipes.

It's easy and inexpensive to insulate your water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You'll get hot
water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

8. Take shorter showers.

One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to
rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.

9. Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush

There is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a
glass for mouth rinsing.

10. Rinse your razor in the sink

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Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with
far less waste of water.

11. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads

Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation.
Most makers of dishwashing soap recomend not pre-rinsing dishes which is a big water savings.

With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the
extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. Replace old clothes
washers. New Energy Star rated washers use 35 - 50% less water and 50% less energy per load. If you're
in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving frontload washer.

12. Minimize use of kitchen sink garbage disposal units

In-sink 'garburators' require lots of water to operate properly, and also add considerably to the volume
of solids in a septic tank which can lead to maintenance problems. Start a compost pile as an alternate
method of disposing food waste.

13. When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing

If your have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-
basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a panful of hot
water. Dual-swivel aerators are available to make this easier. If using a dishwasher, there is usually no
need to pre-rinse the dishes.

14. Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables

Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water. Use a dual-setting aerator.

15. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge.

Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful. Store drinking water in the fridge in a safe
drinking bottle.
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water conservation in the yard and garden...

16. Plant drought-resistant lawns, shrubs and plants

If you are planting a new lawn, or overseeding an existing lawn, use drought-resistant grasses such as
the new "Eco-Lawn".

Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous
perennial borders with native plants. Native plants will use less water and be more resistant to local
plant diseases. Consider applying the principles of xeriscape for a low-maintenance, drought resistant
yard.

Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff.

Group plants according to their watering needs.

17. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants

Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth. Adding 2 - 4 inches of organic
material such as compost or bark mulch will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture. Press the
mulch down around the dripline of each plant to form a slight depression which will prevent or minimize
water runoff.

For information about different mulch materials and their best use, click here.

18. Don't water the gutter

Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering
on windy days.

19. Water your lawn only when it needs it

A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you
move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller
(to 3") will also promote water retention in the soil.

Most lawns only need about 1" of water each week. During dry spells, you can stop watering altogether
and the lawn will go brown and dormant. Once cooler weather arrives, the morning dew and rainfall will
bring the lawn back to its usual vigor. This may result in a brown summer lawn, but it saves a lot of
water.
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20. Deep-soak your lawn

When watering the lawn, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do
the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems.
Put an empty tuna can on your lawn - when it's full, you've watered about the right amount. Visit our
natural lawn care page for more information.

21. Water during the early parts of the day; avoid watering when it's windy

Early morning is generally better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Early watering,
and late watering, also reduce water loss to evaporation. Watering early in the day is also the best
defence against slugs and other garden pests. Try not to water when it's windy - wind can blow
sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.

22. Add organic matter and use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns

Adding organic material to your soil will help increase its absorption and water retention. Areas which
are already planted can be 'top dressed' with compost or organic matter.

You can greatly reduce the amount of water used for shrubs, beds and lawns by:

- the strategic placement of soaker hoses

- installing a rain barrel water catchment system

- installing a simple drip-irrigation system

Avoid over-watering plants and shrubs, as this can actually diminish plant health and cause yellowing of
the leaves.

When hand watering, use a variable spray nozzle for targeted watering.

23. Don't run the hose while washing your car

Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing - this simple practice can save as
much as 150 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of
water. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system; there are several brands, such as EcoTouch,
which are now on the market.
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24. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks

25. Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings

Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they're not as visible. But they can be just as
wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free. Use hose washers at spigots and
hose connections to eliminate leaks.

Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance, and
parents take the time to teach children some of the simple water-saving methods around the home
which can make a big difference.

Water Conservation Summary

In 1990, 30 states in the US reported 'water-stress' conditions. In 2000, the number of states reporting
water-stress rose to 40. In 2009, the number rose to 45. There is a worsening trend in water supply
nationwide. Taking measures at home to conserve water not only saves you money, it also is of benefit
to the greater community.

Saving water at home does not require any significant cost outlay. Although there are water-saving
appliances and water conservation systems such as rain barrels, drip irrigation and on-demand water
heaters which are more expensive, the bulk of water saving methods can be achieved at little cost. For
example, 75% of water used indoors is in the bathroom, and 25% of this is for the toilet. The average
toilet uses 4 gallons per flush (gpf). You can invest in a ULF (ultra-low flush) toilet which will use only 2
gpf. But you can also install a simple tank bank, costing about $2, which will save .8 gpf. This saves 40%
of what you would save with the ULF toilet. Using simple methods like tank banks, low-flow
showerheads and faucet aerators you can retrofit your home for under$50.

By using water-saving features you can reduce your in-home water use by 35%. This means the average
household, which uses 130,000 gallons per year, coulod save 44,00 gallons of water per year. On a daily
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basis, the average household, using 350 gallons per day, could save 125 gallons of water per day. The
average individual, currently using 70 gallons per day, could save 25 gallons of water per day.

When buying low-flow aerators, be sure to read the label for the actual 'gpm' (gallons per minute)
rating. Often, the big box retailers promote "low-flow" which are rated at 2.5 gpm, which is at the top of
the low-flow spectrum. This may be needed for the kitchen sink, but we find that a 1.5 gpm aerator
works fine for the bathroom sink and most water outlets, delivering the same spray force in a
comfortable, soft stream. Eartheasy's online store carries a full range of low-flow aerators and
showerheads.

Finally, it should be noted that installing low-flow aerators, showerheads, tank banks and other water-
saving devices usually is a very simple operation which can be done by the homeowner and does not
even require the use of tools. Water conservation at home is one of the easiest measures to put in
place, and saving water should become part of everday family practice.

Commercial

Many water-saving devices (such as low-flush toilets) that are useful in homes can also be useful for
business water saving. Other water-saving technology for businesses includes:

Waterless urinals

Waterless car washes

Infrared or foot-operated faucets, which can save water by using short bursts of water for rinsing in a
kitchen or bathroom

Pressurized waterbrooms, which can be used instead of a hose to clean sidewalks.

X-ray film processor re-circulation systems

Cooling tower conductivity controllers

Water-saving steam sterilizers, for use in hospitals, etc.

Agriculture
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Overhead irrigation, center pivot designFor crop irrigation, optimal water efficiency means minimizing
losses due to evaporation, runoff or subsurface drainage. An Evaporation pan can be used to determine
how much water is required to irrigate the land. Flood irrigation, the oldest and most common type, is
often very uneven in distribution, as parts of a field may receive excess water in order to deliver
sufficient quantities to other parts. Overhead irrigation, using center-pivot or lateral-moving sprinklers,
gives a much more equal and controlled distribution pattern. Drip irrigation is the most expensive and
least-used type, but offers the best results in delivering water to plant roots with minimal losses.

As changing irrigation systems can be a costly undertaking, conservation efforts often concentrate on
maximizing the efficiency of the existing system. This may include chiseling compacted soils, creating
furrow dikes to prevent runoff, and using soil moisture and rainfall sensors to optimize irrigation
schedules.

Recharge pits, which capture rainwater and runoff and use it to recharge ground water supplies. This
helps in the formation of ground water wells etc. and eventually reduces soil erosion caused due to
running water.

1.Any beneficial deduction in water loss, use, or waste;

2.A reduction in water use accomplished by implementation of water conservation or water efficiency
measures; or,

3.Improved water management practices that reduce or enhance the beneficial use of water. [2][3]. A
water conservation measure is an action, behavioral change, device, technology, or improved design or
process implemented to reduce water loss, waste, or use. Water efficiency is a tool of water
conservation. That results in more efficient water use and thus reduces water demand. The value and
cost-effectiveness of a water efficiency measure must be evaluated in relation to its effects on the use
and cost of other natural resources (e.g. energy or chemicals). [2]

Water Efficiency

Main article: Water efficiency

Water efficiency can be defined as the accomplishment of a function, task, process, or result with the
minimal amount of water feasible, or an indicator of the relationships between the amount of water
needed for a specific purpose and the amount of water used, occupied or delivered. [2]

Minimum Water Network Target and Design

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The Cost effective minimum water network is a holistic framework/guide for water conservation that
helps in determining the minimum amount of freshwater and wastewater target for an industrial or
urban system based on the water management hierarchy i.e. it considers all conceivable methods to
save water. The technique ensure that the designer desired payback period is satisfied using Systematic
Hierarchical Approach for Resilient Process Screening (SHARPS) technique.

Another established technique for maximum water recovery is the water pinch analysis technique.
However, this technique only focuses on maximizing freshwater and wastewater reduction via reuse and
regeneration.