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Water Quality Publications: Brochures, Fact Sheets, and More for Citizens and Communities

Contact DEQ

Regional Office
Water Quality Managers

DEQ's Pollution Prevention Program

Patti Best

(208) 373-0146

 

Water Conservation Information for Citizens and Homeowners: How You Can Help Save Water

Background
Conserving Water Indoors
Conserving Water Outdoors
Protecting Water Quality
For More Information
 Background

Water is an essential resource for Idaho communities and businesses. Most water in Idaho comes from winter storms and is stored as snow in reservoirs and as ground water.

When snowfall is plentiful, these natural and manmade storage systems provide adequate water throughout Idaho’s typically arid summer months. In years when the snow pack is below normal, however, our water resources are stretched thin, and it becomes particularly important to conserve.

In Idaho, DEQ and the Department of Water Resources (IDWR) share responsibility for managing Idaho's water resources. DEQ focuses primarily on water quality, working to assure that Idaho's surface, ground, and drinking water resources are clean and meet health standards, while DWR concentrates on water quantity, doing all it can to assure that water supplies are sustained to meet current and future needs.

You can find extensive information on water supplies, drought conditions, and water rights on IDWR's Web site. Here are a few simple ways you can help conserve water:

 Conserving Water Indoors

 Repair leaks.

Make sure your home is leak-free. On average, leaks comprise 10% of the average homeowner’s indoor water use. Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. Regularly check for and fix leaky faucets, toilets or other appliances and watch your water bill go down.
 

 Purchase water-efficient appliances.
All appliances are not created equally. Some consume more water and energy than others. Purchase appliances with:
• Multi-cycles. This will allow you to select more energy and water efficient cycles when heavy duty cleaning is not required.
• EnergyStar® label. These high efficiency models use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy.
   

 Operate water-consuming appliances efficiently.
How you operate appliances can have an impact on water usage. Think about:
• Full loads. Only run the dishwasher and clothes washer when they are fully loaded.
• Maintenance. Keep appliances running efficiently by following prescribed maintenance schedules.

 Conserving Water Outdoors

Home water consumption often doubles in the summer to meet demands of thirsty lawns. You can help conserve water while maintaining a healthy lawn.
 

 Sprinkle wisely and sparingly.
Proper lawn watering can save thousands of gallons of water annually.
• Timing. Water your lawn during the early morning hours when temperatures and winds are low to minimize evaporation. Adjust water according to weather and hours of daylight.
• Volume. Avoid overwatering. Two or three times a week is usually sufficient. Measure water by placing several mugs or cups around the lawn while watering. Or use a screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If it goes in easily, don’t water.
• Placement. Position sprinklers to water the lawn only, not the sidewalk or street. Adjust settings to match the type of plant. Some areas may need more or less water than others.
   

 More Outside Tips
• Use a broom. Don’t waste water hosing down your driveway or sidewalk.
• Go native. Plant native vegetation or drought tolerant plants.
• Mulch. Insulate and retain moisture in soil.
 Protecting Water Quality
Water conservation is only part of the picture. Protecting the quality of our water ensures safe drinking water and preserves this resource for all Idahoans.
 

 Storm Drains
Storm drains, those grates on the side of the road, often feed directly into our streams, rivers and lakes. It is essential to minimize contaminants entering these systems.
• Prevent car soap, wash water, chemicals, or other pollutants from entering storm drains. Do not pour used oil down the storm drain.
• Keep storm drain areas free from litter, leaves, and other debris.
 

 Fertilizer and Pesticide Use
Use fertilizers and pesticides wisely. Chemicals can build up in the soil or seep into ground and surface waters, adversely affecting water quality.
• Use the proper fertilizer for the plant and avoid over-applying to assure absorption.
• Try non-toxic bug controls first. Many common pests can be cured with non-toxic alternatives.
• Buy the least amount of product needed and properly dispose of containers.
 For More Information
Things You Can Do to Conserve Water (U.S. EPA Web site)
Idaho Drought Plan (pdf on Idaho Department of Water Resources Web site)
Water Conservation (Earth 911 Web site)
Water Conservation (United Water Idaho Web site)



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