Salt Lake City

City Council

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Water Conservation Tips

Water conservation is an especially pressing issue in Salt Lake City’s arid climate. Here are some tips and suggestions to help save water, and incidentally save yourself some money on your utility bill at the same time. Some of these options are as quick and easy as changing a daily habit, while others may involve more significant efforts, but they’re all worth considering and will make a difference in the long run. 

1.) Drought-tolerant landscaping: Choose native and drought-tolerant plants to reduce the need for watering.

2.) Consider “Smart” Sprinklers: Smart sprinklers monitor weather reports ensuring your sprinklers won’t activate during periods of precipitation. While the utility of many internet-connected home devices is up for debate, smart sprinklers are one of the options that make a stronger case for their use. 

3.) Fix leaks: A steady drip or trickle can waste a staggering amount of water over time. Fixing leaks promptly is always a good idea, as they can also cause damage to your home. 

4.) Install low-flow fixtures: Low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets can significantly reduce water usage. Low-flow toilets have come a long way and can match any other toilet on the market for reliability.

5.) Turn off the water while brushing your teeth: It may not seem like much, but the amount of water wasted down the drain adds up to a very large volume over time.

6.) Replace an older model washing machine with a low-water model: Not only will this use half as much water, but the energy savings may also be enough to pay for the replacement! 

7.) Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry: Every load of laundry or dishes you run uses the same amount of water regardless of the quantity of items washed, so why not delay that next load until you’ve filled it to capacity?

8.) Reduce shower time: It can be tempting to stay in the warm water a little longer during cold winter months, but shortening your shower time can conserve a lot of water. 

9.) Avoid hosing down driveways and sidewalks: Consider using a broom or rake to clean driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down. It may take a few extra minutes, but it will save a lot of water! 

10.) Use a pool cover: If you own a swimming pool, make sure to cover it when not in use to reduce evaporation (it will help keep bugs and leaves out too!). 

11.) Use a pool backwash recycling system: These systems recycle and filter pool water instead of letting it go down the drain, which can save a very large amount of water. 

12.) Educate yourself and others: Spread the word about the importance of water conservation and encourage others to adopt these practices. It may feel like an overwhelming problem for any individual to tackle, but if we all work together to take care of our natural resources, we can ensure that Utah has an abundant supply of clean water for the future! 

For more tips about water conservation and resources available to SLC residents, please visit https://www.slc.gov/utilities/conservation/  

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