Utility Information
Water Saving Tips
Key Contact
Stephanie Burkholder
610-374-8273 Ext. 221
Water is rising…the price, that is, and all of us need to be more conscious of our water usage and what we can do to help conserve water, help the environment, and save money. Now is the time to check your faucets for water leaks. Saving a few gallons a day can turn into measureable cost savings on water and sewer bills. Please read below for some helpful hints on how to conserve water.
Drinking Water Activities for Students
Click here to visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website for a list of projects and games that provide a basic understanding of where water comes from.
How much water am I losing from that dripping faucet? Most household faucet and shower head leaks are the result of worn washers or “O” rings (for washerless faucets).
Lawn and Garden
- Check your exterior faucets for potential leaks. A hose left dribbling can waste thousands of gallons of water over the course of a summer season.
- Hold your garden hose close to the roots of plant so that there’s little waste and evaporation loss (soaker-type hoses are even more efficient).
- Water slowly so that the soil soaks up all the water.
- To avoid the possibility of disease (due to promotion of fungi growth), and minimize evaporation, the best time to water is during the early morning hours (dawn to approximately 9 AM).
- Turn your outside water lines to the off position until needed, hoses have a tendency to leak. Also, avoid watering on windy days, which increases evaporation.
- Never allow water to run unnecessarily, installation of a spray handle helps to reduce use.
- Allow your grass to grow to approximately 3 inches before cutting.
- Install a timer and a rain sensor to outdoor irrigation systems.
- Position sprinklers so they do not water the pavement.
- Do not over water allowing water to run down the street. (Note: turf grasses can survive on as little as a half inch of water per week.)
- When washing the car, place the car on the grass and use of a garden hose spray nozzle to reduce waste.
- Use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Mulch plants to reduce evaporation and help retain moisture.
Kitchen and Laundry Areas
- Stop leaks by fully turning off faucets and replacing worn gaskets or washers. One dripping faucet can waste up to 3,600 gallons yearly.
- Use the “water-saver” setting or make sure your machine is set for the most efficient use.
- Only wash full loads of dishes or clothes.
Bathroom
- Check your toilet tank for silent leaks. Dirt or corrosion on the flapper can cause water to leak and refill often. To test, add food coloring to the tank, wait 10 minutes without flushing—if color appears in the bowl, there’s a leak. Do not use your toilet as a trash can.
- Take fewer and shorter showers.
- Don’t leave the water running while rinsing, shaving, or brushing your teeth.
Additional tips to keep in mind
- Replace older appliances, such as dishwashers and washers with newer, more efficient models.
- Should water be leaking from your water meter, please contact Borough Hall to schedule an inspection of the meter.