Tips | Presque Isle Harbor Water Company, Inc.

When purchasing a washing machine, look for the WaterSense® labeled appliances. There are comparisons among Energy Star appliances. Some washing machines can save as much as 20 gallons per load.
Don't wash laundry until you have a full load. If you must wash a partial load, set the washing machine water level to match the load.
Wash colors in cold water which saves water and energy.
Insulate hot water pipes.

If you wash dishes by hand, do not allow the water to run while you are washing. It saves water to either rinse all at once or fill the other basin with rinse water.
Instead of allowing the water to run while scraping pots or pans, allow them to soak first.
Energy Star dishwashers use less water than washing dishes by hand. New dishwasher models clean more thoroughly. Compare water usage between models.
When defrosting food, leave it in the refrigerator instead of running it under water.
Soak vegetables and fruits in a bowl of water instead of washing them under running water. Use the leftover water to water your house plants.
Cooking foods with as little water as possible saves on nutrients and water.
It reduces energy costs and water usage to install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink.
Replace your kitchen faucet with a water saving fixture.
Try to use a garbage disposal as little as possible.

You may not know you have a leaking toilet. The toilet tank leaking into the bowl can be silent. To test your toilet(s), put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank and leave it for an hour or so. When you re-check it, if the food coloring shows up in the bowl, you have a leak and probably need to replace or adjust the tank mechanisms.
Replace your toilet with a water saving "High Efficiency" toilet. There are many on the market, some with dual-flush options. Look for WaterSense® labels.
Replace your faucets and showerhead with high efficiency fixtures.
Take showers instead of baths if possible. It saves as much as 70 gallons of water.
Try to reduce the time you take showers. Keeping your shower to 5 minutes or less saves as much as 1,000 gallons per month.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Turn it back on to rinse, or use a small cup of water.
When shaving, plug the sink to rinse your razor.

Try not to leave garden hoses turned on when not in use. A small leak can be difficult to detect. Use hose nozzles.
Tall grass holds soil moisture. Try not to cut your grass too short or less than two inches
Mulch your lawn clippings into the lawn which helps hold in moisture and creates better top soil.
When seeding your lawn, match the seed mix to the site (sun or shade) and climate conditions. Try to avoid over seeding.
Fertilize as little as possible.
Try to aerate your lawn when possible which helps retain moisture instead of creating water run off.
Wash cars and/or dogs outside where your lawn needs watering.
Make sure any decorative ponds or fountains are equipped with recirculating pumps.
Pull weeds instead of using herbicides. This is great exercise for the kids and better for the environment.
Collect rain water to water your garden.

Be watchful for leaks and repair any drips promptly. Check outdoor faucets, hoses and pipes. If you are unable to repair the leak yourself, call a trusted plumber.
Consider water use when purchasing water using appliances or fixtures including dishwashers, icemakers, toilets, and cleaning equipment .
Teach children about saving water.
Be sure to winterize outdoor spigots before freezing temperatures. Store garden hoses in garage or basement.
If you have a water softener, set it for the minimum amount of refills to save on chemicals and water.
If you have a pool, do not overfill to prevent excess water from splashing out.

REPAIR ALL LEAKS

Presque Isle Harbor Water Company