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New Jersey is considered to be a "water
rich" State, with an average rainfall of 45 inches per
year. However, demands on our limited water supply due to population
growth and development have increased greatly, making water
conservation a prudent step for New Jersey's citizens year round.
During the peak irrigation months of April to October, when
we experience hotter, drier summer conditions, it is even more
important to conserve water in order to avoid mandatory water
use restrictions. Summer outdoor water use increases as people
wash cars, fill pools, and water lawns and gardens. Water conservation
allows more water to remain in our streams, lakes and rivers
for recreational uses and aesthetic enjoyment while also providing
habitat for our wildlife.
QUICK TIPS FOR CONSERVING WATER
- Install water conserving showerheads and faucet aerators
in the bathroom and kitchen (available at most home improvement
stores as well as some supermarkets);
- Turn off faucets when not in use, such as brushing your
teeth or washing the dishes;
- Run washing machines and dishwashers only when they are
full;
- Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose;
- Water lawns only as needed. In New Jersey, usually one inch
of water per week is all that is needed to maintain a healthy
lawn. Irrigation timers should be set to water in the early
morning (before 10 am) and should be turned off during and
after rainfall;
- Water lawns (and outdoor plants) in the early morning hours
(before 10 am) for shorter, more frequent periods to allow
time for the soil to absorb the water and enable roots to
grow deep, while avoiding rot and encouraging drought tolerance;
- Use mulch and native plants to conserve water in the garden;
- Use a rain barrel to capture water from a downspout to use
later for watering gardens and plants;
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water trees, gardens
and flower beds;
For more detailed information, please click
on the link below to enter an interactive water conserving website
sponsored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
and the California Urban Water Conservation Council. Here you
will find useful information on how you can conserve water in
and outside your home, product information, environmental benefits
and cost estimates, along with a water calculator to figure
where you can conserve water in your daily routine. Remember,
if we all do a little, we can save a lot!
Water
Conservation: Ideas for Saving Water (MSWord Format)
Water
Conservation: Ideas for Saving Water (Pdf Format)
H2ouse: Water Saver Home
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