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News Release 244
DEPARTMENT OFFERS WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
TO CELEBRATE DRINKING WATER WEEK
Volume 36-244 |
Contact: Renee Bungart |
(For immediate release) |
573-751-4465 |
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 6, 2008—The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering some tips to consumers to help conserve water this Drinking Water Week, May 4 through May 10. Conserving water will save consumers' money and help ensure the sustainability of public water supplies.
"It makes sense to conserve water when we can," said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. "The water that comes out of the tap has been filtered and treated, which costs money. When you waste water, you're throwing money and a limited recource down the drain."
The following 10 tips will help conserve water this week and all year long:
- Take short showers and draw less water for baths.
- Turn off the water while brushing teeth and shaving.
- Keep cold drinking water in the refrigerator rather that running the tap.
- Compost food scraps rather than using a garbage disposal in your sink.
- Check your toilet for leaks by placing a little food coloring in the tank and seeing if it leaks into the bowl.
- Water lawns in the evening or early morning to minimize evaporation.
- Position sprinklers so the water reaches the lawn, not paved areas.
- Use a broom to clean sidewalks and driveways, not a hose.
- Wash your car less often.
- Cut grass at least 3-inches high to shade the roots, making it more drought tolerant.
According to the American Water Works Association, daily indoor per capita water use in the typical single family home is 69.3 gallons. Households can reduce this water use by about 35 percent, to 45.2 gallons per day, by employing conservation and water efficiency measures.
Drinking Water Week recognizes Missouri's public drinking water systems for the work they do in providing Missourians with safe drinking water. A safe, reliable water supply is critical to the success of any community. It creates jobs, attracts industry and investment and provides for the health and welfare of citizens in ways ranging from disease prevention to fire suppression.
For more information on Drinking Water Week, call the department's Public Drinking Water Branch at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-1825 or visit the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/dw-index.htm.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.
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