When thinking about water conservation typically we focus on the summer months. Watering plants and lawns, filling swimming pools, and washing cars are all summer time activities that we caution our customers on high water use. However, activities such as showers, laundry, flushing toilets and other daily household functions typically account for most of the water use in a month. Additionally, during the winter months this water needs to be heated, which can increase energy bills as well. Here are some tips to decrease water, and subsequently energy, use during the winter months.

Try to use cold water when washing clothes whenever possible
Cold water can be used when brushing teeth, and don’t forget to turn the tap off during brushing
Be sure the dishwasher is full before running it. This will save water relative to hand washing a few dishes at a time
Drip faucets to avoid freezing pipes, but use a bucket to collect that water to be used for watering plants
Insulate your hot water pipes. This will help keep the pipes from freezing and also increase the time it takes for the water to warm up, thus reducing the amount of water needed for showers and hand washing

Remember that broken pipes are the biggest threat to the water bill during the winter. Check out our story here for some tips on how to avoid frozen and potentially broken pipes.

Should you have any unaccounted-for water use, we have several tools in the office to help customers identify when the water went through the water meter. Give our office a call at (520) 382-2570 for more information.

Want to stay up to date on all things happening with Marana Water? Click the Sign Up button!