Check for Leaks:

Not fixing a leaky toilet or faucet is like throwing money down the drain. If your water meter is in your home, you can use it to check for leaks. Start by making sure that no one is using water and that all water-using appliances are turned off, including automatic ice makers. Check the flow indicator on your meter. If it is moving, it means that water is passing through the meter and there is a leak(s). If your meter does not have a low flow indicator, write down the meter reading shown on the dial and take note of the sweep hand’s position. Check the meter in an hour. If the reading or the position of the sweep hand has changed, it may indicate that you have a leak(s).

Toilet Leaks:

Leaky toilets, which account for more than 95 percent of water waste, are caused by worn or damaged parts in the toilet flush tank. What makes matters worse is that toilet leaks can often go unnoticed. To determine if your toilet is leaking, you can take the following steps:

• Remove the lid from your toilet tank.
• Drop a small amount of food coloring into the tank.
• Wait 10-20 minutes. If the food coloring appears in the bowl, repairs may need to be made or the flapper valve adjusted.
• If you can hear water running, it may mean that water is running over the overflow tube into the tank. This too should be fixed.

Be water wise. Every drop counts!

Water is a resource that we depend on every day. When the temperature heats up, and we spend more of our time outside, there are simple things that you can do to use water wisely and save money at the same time. During the summer months, East Windsor Municipal Utilities Authority asks customers to minimize non-essential water usage. Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s good for your bank account. Small changes can equal savings!

INSIDE YOUR HOME

• Take a shower instead of a bath. It can save 40 – 55 gallons of water.
• Install water-saving showerheads and shorten your shower time to five minutes.
• Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth.
• Rinse produce in a basin instead of under running water.
• Run only full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
• Check your toilets for leaks – a leaky toilet can waste up to 100 gallons of water every day! (see  back panel for tips on how to check for toilet leaks.)
• Look for appliances with cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy efficient  than older appliances. Energy Star™ rated washers use less water and less energy per load. This saves  you money on both your water and energy bills.
• Check for leaky Faucets – a drip 1/8” in diameter leaks 296,000 gallons /quarter

OUTSIDE YOUR HOME

• Water lawns and gardens only when needed.
• Early morning or night-time watering minimizes evaporation.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios and sidewalks.
• Plant flowers and vegetables that require little or no extra water. Choose plants that are drought tolerant.
• Use ground soaking hoses instead of sprinklers when possible to minimize waste. If you use a sprinkler, make sure it is turned off when it rains.
• Use a hose nozzle on your hose to better control the flow you are using. Place hoses carefully to avoid watering unnecessary areas like sidewalks.
• Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants. A four-inch layer helps to keep the soil moist and roots cool, minimize evaporation and reduce weed growth.
• Use a bucket of soapy water rather than leaving the hose running when washing your car or take your car to a car wash that recycles the water.
• Bathe pets outdoors in areas that need water.