Conservation Tips   (Information courtesy Department of Ecology; http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/envirotips/tips_winter.htm)

Clean fresh water is one of the most valuable resources we have. It is a necessity for life and needs to be protected and used wisely. As population increases so does the need for water as well as the potential for pollution. Following are a few tips for reducing water use, runoff and pollution of the water around our homes.

Garden & Lawn (Pesticides and fertilizer can be washed from yards into streams and groundwater. Fertilizer encourages excessive growth of plants and algae in waterways, while pesticides can be toxic to fish and people.)

--  Use chemicals only when needed and non-toxic products when possible (follow mixing instructions
and use only what’s need to do the job)

--  Apply fertilizer and pesticide when there won’t be rain or sprinklers coming on to cause runoff

--  Compost yard waste (keeps grass clippings etc. out of waterways where they can cause pollution
while disintegrating)

--  Be precise when you water (only water where you need it, when you need it)

--  Adjust your watering schedule to the weather (don’t water in the heat of the day or when it’s
windy to avoid increased evaporation)

--  Controlling Runoff (Vegetation helps soil soak up water, filter pollutants, decreases erosion and provides habitat.)

--  Leave as much existing vegetation as possible when landscaping/building, especially along water
ways (native plants are often hardier than ornamentals)

--  Plant trees, shrubs and ground cover — minimize surfaces like concrete that aren’t permeable

--  Limit animal access to streams (livestock can eat away vegetation on stream banks causing in
creased erosion and polluting the water with fecal matter…. pick up pet waste as well, runoff can
carry it into waterways.)

Home

--  When washing dishes, fruit/vegetable, brushing teeth, etc. avoid leaving water running — turn it
off when not using

--  Install an energy efficient toilet, washing machine, dishwasher (it will not only decrease water
use, but often decrease energy costs as well)