Here in the mountains of Western North Carolina, we have historically been blessed with an abundance of fresh water for commercial, industrial, and residential use. With the enormous growth that the area has witnessed, however, it has become more important than ever to utilize our water supplies in a prudent fashion.

Water conservation is not only the responsible thing to do; it can save you significant amounts of money on your water bill! Here are some tips for conserving water around your home or business:

Inside your home:

• Check for leaks! Click here for tips on finding and repairing water leaks.
• Turn off water while brushing your teeth, shaving, and washing dishes.
• Don’t use the toilet for disposing of items.
• Wash only full loads in your clothes and dishwasher.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Install low-flow fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen.

Outside your home:

• Don’t leave a hose running when washing your car; better yet, use bucketed water instead.
• Use a cover to reduce evaporation losses on your swimming pool.
• Water plants and lawns at night or early morning to reduce evaporation losses.
• Use mulch to keep soils moist.
• Consider replacing parts of your lawn with less-thirsty plantings.
• Aim lawn sprinklers carefully to avoid wasting water on non-lawn surfaces.

At your business:

• Serve water to restaurant customers only upon request.
• Use brooms to clean hard surfaces instead of washing them down.
• Take advantage of xeriscaping to reduce landscape watering needs.
• Install an instantaneous hot water heater to reduce wasted water waiting on hot water.

Additional Information

Natural Resources Conservation Service: The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides information to help homeowners reduce their water consumption.

Water Conservation Portal: A search site from a non-commercial group providing info and links to water saving products and practices.

Water Use It Wisely: More than 100 ways to reduce your water consumption.

Saving water – good for the environment, good for your wallet