Using Water Wisely (NAPSA)—Your daily water use may seem like a drop in the bucket, considering how much H20 is actually out there. However, experts say that you may be using more water than you think. In fact, each American household uses more than 94,000 gallons of fresh water each year, enoughto fill 24% Olympic-sized swimmingpools. Also, the average American uses approximately 168 gallons of water a day. Fortunately, there are simple ways to reduce excess water use, lower water bills and protect the environment—even in the warm weather months. Try thesetips. They come from American Water, the largest water services provider in North America, serving 17 million people in the United States and Canada. Get Efficient The American Water Works Association estimates Americans can cut their water use by 35 percent by installing moreefficient water fixtures and regularly checkingfor leaks. Green Grass Water your lawn only when it needs it. An easy waytotell if your lawn needs wateris to walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, it’s time to water. If you do have to water, do so in the early morning. As much as 30 percent of water can be lost to evaporation if you water during midday. In addition, plan for a few deep-soaking waterings rather than frequent sprinklings, which can evaporate quickly. Setting your lawn mower one notch higher can reduce evaporation as well. If you have sprinklers, check their heads and valves for leaks Efficient fixtures and checking for leaks could cut water use by 35 percent. and adjust the timer according to water needs and weather conditions. Also, make sure each sprinkler is covering lawn and shrubs, and not sidewalks androads. Landscaping Native and drought-tolerant plants may have lower water needs. A local nursery or state agriculture extension office can be a good information resource for planning a water-wise garden. Also, use mulch in the garden and around plants and shrubs to preserve moisture. Outdoor Maintenance Control the flow from hoses with an automatic shutoff nozzle, and if you have a pool, use a cover to cut evaporation loss by as much as 90 percent. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways and wash your car with soap and water from a bucket. Finally, disconnect hoses and make sure outdoor water is shut off during cold weather. For more information, visit www.amwater.com.
