Water ConservationWater is Life......Don't Waste It!
        Water is a precious commodity which we all take for granted. We are fortunate to have an abundance of rain fall in this part of the country and it would appear that we have more than enough water to meet our future needs. However, it is imperative that we all use water wisely and teach future generations to do the same.

        Certain factions in the Department of environmental Protection (DEP) simply do not want any watering of lawns and they have begun a process to restrict the amount of water a community can use on a yearly basis in an effort to reach their objective. As such, all citizens of Northbridge should be cognizant that the opportunity to water lawns may be severely restricted in years to come simply to satisfy the interests of environmental extremists.
 

Tips for Saving Water in the Home

 In the Bathroom

 1. 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, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately.

 2. Check Faucets and pipes for leaks. The smallest drip from a worn washer can waste 20 or more gallons a day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds.

 3. Replace your old toilet with a low-flow toilet. Ultra low-flow toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Old toilets use six gallons per flush.

 4. Do not use the toilet as an ash tray or wastebasket.

 5. If you have an older toilet, place an inch of sand in a quart size bottle, fill it with water, and place it in the tank away from operating mechanism. You can save five or more gallons a day.

 6. Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors. Your local hardware or plumbing supply store stocks inexpensive items to install fixtures.

 7. Turn off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth.

 In the Kitchen and Laundry

 1. Use your washing machine and dishwasher only for full loads.

 2. Check faucets and pipes for leaks.

 3. If you wash dishes by hand, do not leave the water running.

 4. Use garbage disposal less often.

 5. Do not let the faucet run while cleaning vegetables.

 6. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator.

 Outdoors

 Most outdoor water waste occurs through water-intensive landscaping and improper outdoor watering.

 1. Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings. Check frequently and keep them drip-free.

 2. Water your lawn only when needed. A good way to see your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it does not need water.

 3. Water deeply and less often. Deep watering encourages healthy growth.

 4. Water between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. for minimal evaporation.

 5. Make sure you are watering your yard and not the driveway or street.

 6. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.

 7. Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water using the hose only to rinse.

 8. Do not let children play with the hose or sprinkler.

 9. Install a properly designed irrigation system with a moisture sensor.

 10. Decrease your turf area to 25 percent of your yard. Increase mulched beds, trees, vines and ground-covered areas to 75 percent.

 11. Mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulch retains moisture, cools the ground and decreases the need for watering.

 12. Mow your grass at the right height. The higher the better in summer months.

 13. Select plants that are native to the area, have low water needs and are shade producing.

 14. Install a rain gauge in your lawn to measure when your grass actually needs watering.

The following websites will offer much more information on ways to conserve water and reduce outdoor water use.

American Water Works Association

New England Water Works Association

Water Wiser

h2ouse