We have a limited amount of water on earth even though approximately 80 percent of the earth’s surface is covered with water. However, 97 percent is salt water in the oceans and otherwise undrinkable. Two percent of the water is frozen in the polar ice caps. That means, only 1 percent or a small fraction, is fresh water we can use for drinking, growing and cleaning our food, bathing, carrying away waste along with other human activities.

In Pennsylvania, the average person uses approximately 62 gallons of water per day. Water resources are not unlimited and are affected daily by precipitation, greater demand and threatened by pollution.

That demand for water in our daily lives makes it important for us not to waste it. We can all do our part by practicing the following water conservation tips:

Inside the House:

	Check every faucet in the house for leaks, since a single dripping faucet can waste far more water in a single day that 1 person needs for drinking in an entire week.
	Leaks inside a toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. Call the office for leak detection tablets to check if you have a leak inside your toilet. You can also put some food coloring into the toilet tank. If the color trickles into the bowl, there is a leak and repairs should be made as soon as possible. Do not use the toilet as a trash can. Throw tissues, insects and other trash in the wastebasket. Replace older toilets with low-flow models.
	Install low flow plumbing fixtures such as showerheads and faucets. Install water saving plumbing appliances such as a front-loading washing machine which utilizes less water and also less energy.
	Use proper washer level or load size selection on clothes washers. Use automatic dishwasher and washing machines only for full loads.
	Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth. Half fill a glass and use that water to wet your brush and rinse your mouth. When shaving, use a sink filled with water to rinse your shaver. Do not let the faucet flow. Take short showers instead of baths.
	Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet until the water is cold enough to drink. Use a small pan of water to wash, peel or clean vegetables and fruits rather than letting the water run. Then use that water for your indoor plants or outside flower garden.
Outside the House:
	Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only. Do not water the street or sidewalk. Use a broom to clean off your driveways, steps or sidewalks instead of a hose.
	Water in the early morning instead of mid-day so that less water evaporates. Use soaker hoses and irrigation systems to reduce the amount of water used. Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants. Cluster plants together to conserve moisture. Use native plants which require less care and water.
	Wash automobiles with soap, water and a bucket. Use a hose with an automatic shut off nozzle to wet down vehicle and for final rinse. Use a pool cover to keep water clean and reduce evaporation when pool is not being used