Water
- When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
- Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
- Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
- Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
- Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
- Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
- If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
- Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
- We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
- If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
- When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
- Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
- Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
- Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
- When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
- Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
- Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
- Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
- Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.
- When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
- Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
- Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
- Use a water-efficient shower head. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
- Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
- Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
- Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
- If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.
- Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
- Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
- Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.
- If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
- Bathe your young children together.
- Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
- Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.
- Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.
- If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
- Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
- Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
- Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.
- Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
- When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
- When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.
- Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
- When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
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Steve Miller
Public Services DirectorPhone: 252-939-3303
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Public Services
Physical Address
207 E King Street
Kinston, NC 28501
Mailing Address
P.O. Drawer 339
Kinston, NC 28502
Phone: 252-939-3282Fax: 252-939-3128
Hours
Monday-Sunday
24 Hours