Tips to Save Water
"Water is Life"
We cannot exist without a sufficient amount of water resources to meet our needs. To help ensure that we have enough water for the City of Las Cruces, we need your help. It takes everyone getting involved! We often think toilets, showersheads or faucets waste water; the truth is people waste water. Have you ignored a leaky faucet for more than a month or watered on a windy day? Help save our water resources.
How to conserve water OUTDOORS:
- Use the principles of xeriscape in your yard.
- Plant native, drought-tolerant or adapted plants in your yard.
- Follow the year-round water restrictions. No watering on Mondays. Even numbered addresses water Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Odd numbered addresses water Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
- Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
- Water your lawn deeply and infrequently to promote good root growth and healthy plants.
- Use a broom to sweep your driveway, not a hose.
- Don't water the pavement.
How to conserve water INDOORS:
- If you do not already have an ultra-flow flush toilet, then install a toilet dam or plastic jug in your existing toilet.
- Install low-flow aeration shower and faucet heads. These inexpensive devices really work and pay for themselves! Just screw off the old ones with a common wrench and screw in the new one. A low flow showerhead dispenses less than 3 gallons per minute.
- Turn water off when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Only wash full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
- Rinse dishes in a pan; don't rinse under running water.
- Avoid defrosting foods with running hot water. Plan ahead and defrost the day before in the refrigerator or covered on a counter top.
- Reduce the level of water in your bath: instead of 10 inches of water, use only three.
- Insulate your hot water heater using only approved covers and see if lowering the thermostat a bit still satisfies your hot water needs.