Hello readers.
We are coming up on Spring, actually, it IS Spring….the first day of, today!
With Spring here, we need to think about watering. Actually we should also be thinking about water conservation IN the house, not just outside in/on the lawn.

Here are some reminders and usage tips about how much water we use and how you can save water in the bathroom

Bathroom Water Efficiency

Toilets made before 1993 use 3.5 to 8 gallons per flush (gpf). High efficiency
toilets manufactured after 1993 use 1.6 gpf or less. The date of manufacture
of most toilets is on the underside of the tank lid. A family of four
can save 14,000 to 25,000 gal/yr by switching from conventional toilets
to the newer, more efficient ones. Your water utility may even offer rebates
for replacing convential toilets. Additional water savings can occur by
making sure your toilet is not leaking and that the flapper is working
properly. Here are other suggestions for increasing your toilet-use efficiency.

• Install vacuum assisted, low-volume toilets.
• Consider not flushing the toilet unless absolutely necessary.
• Regularly check for toilet leaks by placing food coloring in your
  toilet tank. Repairing leaking toilets can save more than 600 gallons
  of water per month.
• Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket.
• Make sure your toilet flapper does not remain open after flushing.
• Avoid using toilet bowl cleaners such as toilet tank tablets. These
  products affect the pH of water in your toilet tank and can cause leaks
  by damaging the rubber and plastic parts of your toilet.

Showering Efficiency

Showerheads currently manufactured in the U.S. have a flow-rate of 2.5
gallons per minute (gpm) or less. Here are some suggestions for increasing
shower-use efficiency.

• Install a low-flow showerhead if you do not already have one.
• Keep your showers brief. A shower that lasts for five minutes using
  a low-flow showerhead uses 12 gallons of water. If possible, use a watch
  to time yourself while you are in the shower.
• Turn off the water while you lather up with soap and shampoo.
• Irrigate your indoor plants by placing a bucket in the shower to collect
  the water while waiting for it to warm up.
• Check the flow rate of your showerhead by using a 5-gallon bucket
  and a clock. Turn the shower on full and place a 5-gallon bucket under
  the shower for two minutes. A 2.5 gpm showerhead will fill the bucket
  up in that two-minute time frame.
• Check the flow rate of your showerhead by using a 5-gallon bucket
  and a clock. Turn the shower on full and place a 5-gallon bucket under
  the shower for two minutes. A 2.5 gpm showerhead will fill the bucket
  up in that two-minute time frame.
• Check and repair leaks in the tub diverter valve.

Faucet Efficiency

• Install low-flow faucet aerators on all your household faucets. Some
  aerators can restrict flow to less than 1.0 gpm.
• Do not run the faucet continuously while washing dishes and hands,
  shaving, or brushing your teeth.
• Checking and repairing faucet leaks can save up to 140 gallons of
  water per week.

Sources: CO extension office