TIPS TO CONSERVE WATER

Water is a vital part of all living things. In the U.S., we use three times as much safe drinking water than is used in Europe. More states in the United States are adopting water conservation standards. With Alternative Energy Source, we strive to conserve water, save money and Go Green.

Please take a moment to read through our energy saving tips.

• Placing a plastic bottle or bag weighted with pebbles and will with water in your toilet tank allows less water to be used with each flush…approximately 5 to 10 gallons a day.
• Replace your toilet with a ultra-low flush model.
• While waiting for your shower water to warm, catch the cold water in a bucket and water your plants or flush the toilet. Saves 200 to 300 gallons a month.
• Take care of leaks, whether from your faucet or toilet. Saves 400 gallons a month.
• Turn water off while brushing your teeth or shaving. Saves 3 gallons a day.
• Use less hot water by changing your shower head to a low flow shower head (350 pounds of CO2 saved per year) and washing your clothes in cold or warm water (500 pounds saved yearly)
• Wash kitchen dishes by hand, fill a sink with rinse water to rinse, do not keep the water running to rinse. Saves 200 to 500 gallons a month.
• Use less detergent when washing dishes by hand, this will minimize the rinse water needed. Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.
• Keep drinking water in the refrigerator. Saves 200 to 300 gallons a month.
• Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator overnight or defrost in a microwave. Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.
• Rinse your vegetables in a filled sink or pan, do not let the water run while rinsing. Saves 150 to 250 gallons a month.
• Use garbage can more than garbage disposal or create a compost for gardens. Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.

Additional Energy Conservation Tips

• Add a solar panel to your existing hot water heater and it could produce more than 50% of the hot water requirements for a typical household or business.
• Take showers instead of baths; a bath uses nearly 50 gallons of water.
• Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
• When purchasing a new washer, look for one that conserves water and energy and has a suds saver attachment.
• Shut off all water valves and turn your hot water tank temperature down to the "vacation" setting before you leave the house for an extended period of time.
• Adjust your thermostat: moving your thermostat 2 degrees down in winter and 2 degrees up in the summer…you could save 2,000 pounds of CO2 a year.