RWPUD Water Conservation

Water Conservation

Rockwood Water P.U.D. encourages its customers to voluntarily conserve water. Using water wisely will help ensure a plentiful water supply for the future. Remember, every drop counts! Below you will find suggestions for conserving water throughout your home or business. For more information on conservation programs and materials, please call the District office at 503-665-4179 or e-mail waterconservation@rwpud.org.

Indoor Water Conservation

Make sure that your home or business is leak-free. If all water is turned off and your meter is still moving, you may have a leak. Repair leaky faucets and check your toilet tanks for leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring or dye tablets to the tank and wait 30 minutes. Free toilet leak detection dye tablets are available upon request from the District. If the tank is leaking, you will see color in the bowl.

Reuse clean household water. Collect the water that is wasted while waiting for hot water to reach your faucet or showerhead and use it to water your plants.

Insulate your hot water pipes. It will take less time for the water to heat.

Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water becomes cold.

Fill the dishwasher and washing machine completely before running them. You'll save water and energy.

Take shorter showers (five minutes or less) or install low flow shower heads.

Flush less often. Don't use your toilet as a wastebasket.

Turn off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Install water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads.Indoor water conservation kits are currently available to District customers free of charge.

Outdoor Water Conservation

Water wisely. Only water during the cooler hours of the day, between 7:00 p.m and 10:00 a.m. to limit evaporation. Water less frequently and don't over water; one inch per week is all established lawns and shrubs need.

If you have an irrigation system, install a timer and adjust your watering schedule based on the weather.

Mulch your plants to improve soil, reduce weeds and prevent evaporation.

When mowing, set your mower height high and leave the clippings on the lawn to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the sun.

Improve water penetration by aerating your lawn. Aeration can renew compacted soil allowing water and air to reach the roots of your lawn.

Water your plants efficiently by using soaker hoses or drip irrigations. Water deeply, but infrequently to encourage healthy root development.

Include low-water plants in your landscaping and group plants with similar water needs together.

When washing your car, use soap and water from a bucket; use a hose with a shut-off nozzle to rinse.

Use a broom to sweep your driveway and sidewalks clean instead of using water to remove debris.

Conservation Materials for Our Customers

FREE Water Conservation Kits Now Available
Interested in saving water? Call the District office at 503-665-4179 or e-mail waterconservation@rwpud.org and request a free kit full of water-saving materials: shower timer; showerhead; Teflon tape; bathroom water faucet aerator; kitchen water faucet aerator with swivel; and leak detection dye tablets. Please note that supplies are limited; kits are available to District customers only.

Toilet Leak Detection Tablets: These tablets can be dropped into your toilet tank to help determine if your toilet is leaking.

Be Water Smart: This brochure includes tips on lawn care, soil care, planting and watering to help you save water during the summer.

Lawn & Garden Watering Tips: This brochure shows how wise water use can help you do a better job of keeping your lawn and garden healthy.

Water Conservation At Home: A 13-page booklet that gives consumers detailed guidelines on how to save water.

25 Things You Can Do to Prevent Water Waste: This brochure offers water-saving tips for the kitchen, laundry, bathroom and outdoors.

How Does Your Garden Grow?: This brochure contains helpful information for both novice and experienced gardeners. By incorporating some simple steps, your garden will need less water and less maintenance.

Plan a Lawn: This booklet will help you learn how to properly install and maintain your law, keeping it green and healthy with the appropriate amount of resources.