Water Conservation Tips

Due to the level of the Shenandoah River, the Town of Strasburg is asking residents to practice water conservation measures.  The river will be monitored daily and updates given accordingly.

Where It Goes

• An average home uses more than 200 gallons of water per day

• Clothes washer - 21.7% of water use; 56,000 gallons/year.

• Dishwasher - 1.4% of water use; 3600 gallons/year.

• Faucet - 16% of water use; 35,000 gallons/year.

• Irrigation systems - seasonally highest domestic use; up to 100,000 gallons/year or more.

• Showerhead - 16% of water use; 37,000 gallons/year.

• Leaks 14% of water use; 30,000 gallons/year.

• Toilet - 27% of water use; 60,000 gallons/year. 

What You Can Do About It

• Check your home plumbing for leaks. A leaky faucet or toilet can waste thousands of gallons per year.

• Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators, available at your hardware store, if you don't already have them in place. A shower can use up to 7 gallons of water per minute. Don't let the shower run too long while waiting for it to warm up or while soaping up.

• Sweep, don't wash, sidewalks and driveways. Instead of using a hose, use a broom or leaf blower, and save 3-5 gallons of water per minute.

• If you need to water your lawn, do it every other day in the early morning or late evening. This will minimize evaporation and increase water penetration.

• When you have to replace a water-using appliance, be sure to install a water-efficient model.

• Landscape with plants that require little water and mulch around ornamental plantings to conserve moisture.

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. You probably only need the water in three short bursts - to rinse your toothbrush initially, to rinse it after use, and to rinse your mouth.

• Flush only when needed. Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket.

• Install a shut-off nozzle at the end of your hose. Use only the water needed for outdoor tasks.  Do not wash cars, trucks, or other vehicles, except when using a bucket or other container not exceeding three gallons capacity or at an automatic car wash

• Only use dishwashers and washing machines when you have a full load. Water-saving models will allow you to adjust the washer's water level.

• Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator. This will save running the tap while waiting for the water to cool. For good health, don't scrimp on hand washing or washing fresh vegetables.

• Do not operate an ornamental fountain or other similiar fixture.

• Do not fill or add water to swimming or wading pools.

• Only serve drinking water in restaurants on request.