Earth Day Count Down - 3 days to go

Shower power! 

A full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, but taking a five-minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons. Put a little timer or clock near your shower so you can see how fast you are. Save even more water, and money on your water bill, by installing a water-efficient showerhead, or ask your landlord to install one if you rent.  Exchange your high volume showerhead for a low flow (2 gallons per minute) showerhead at the Manatee County Utility Complex, Bldg 4412, 4410 66^th Street West, Bradenton. Visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/thepowerof10/ to find out your water usage using the water calculator

Earth Day Count Down - 4 days to go

Be sensible! 

The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact only one percent of all water on the planet is available for humans. Buy fixtures and products that are water efficient – you can use less water to get the same job done just as well. When you go shopping, look for the WaterSense label to find water efficient products. Visit http://www.h2ouse.org/index.cfm for more information.

Earth Day Count Down - 6 days to go

Make it a full load!

Run your dishwasher only when it's full. Don't pre-rinse dishes - tests show pre-rinsing doesn't improve dishwasher cleaning, and you'll save as much as 20 gallons of water per load. When you buy a new dishwasher, look for one that saves water. Water-efficient models use only about only about 4 gallons per wash. Visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/florida_water_star_gold/ for more information.

Earth Day Count Down - Day 9

Don't be a drip - fix that leak!

Take the Water Conservation Pledge

 
Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures. If you're not sure you have a leak, check the water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak. Visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/what_you_can_do.html for more information

Earth Day Count Down - Day 11

Make it a full load!

The average washing machine uses 40.9 gallons of water per load. If you buy a a new washer, shop for a high-efficiency washer that needs less than 28 gallons of water per load. To achieve even greater savings, wash only full loads of laundry or be sure to choose the appropriate load size on the washing machine. Visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/what_you_can_do.html for more information.

April is Water Conservation Month.  Take the pledge at http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/waterpledge/ 

Earth Day Count Down - Day 21

 

#21 Water efficiently!
Typically, up to 50% of water used by households is used outdoors. Efficient watering will not only help you save money and conserve water, but can also create a healthier landscape. Manatee County offers irrigation rebates and evaluations to residents. For more information visit http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/water_wise/index.shtml

Earth Day Count Down - Day 15

#15 Travel green! 
Look for hotels that encourage guests to use less water or energy. Hang up your towels to dry so you can use them again. Use the sheets more than a night or two. When you go out, look for local foods and souvenirs to reduce transportation. Before you go, unplug your computer, DVD player, and other electronics, and turn down your thermostat. Visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/waterchamp/to find Water Champ Lodging or http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/traveltips.html for more information.

Earth Day Count Down - Day 5

#5 Make it a full load!

Run your dishwasher only when it's full. Don't pre-rinse dishes - tests show pre-rinsing doesn't improve dishwasher cleaning, and you'll save as much as 20 gallons of water per load. When you buy a new dishwasher, look for one that saves water. Water-efficient models use only about only about 4 gallons per wash. Visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/florida_water_star_gold/ for more information.