Rain Barrels

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality recommends the following
Water Conservation Tips.

 Clothes washer - 21.7% of home water use; 56,000 gallons/year
Operate only full loads and consider replacing old washers. Older washers use approximately            41  gallons per load , while new high efficiency machines use only 23 gallons or less.       

Dishwasher - 1.4% of home water use; 3,600 gallons year
Wash full loads and consider replacement - reduce by 30-50% water usage per load.

 Faucet - 16% of water use; 35,000 gallons/year
Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing.  Catch warm up water and use for plants.  Consider installing low flow restrictors/aerators to faucets ( $2-4)

 Irrigation Systems- seasonally highest domestic use; up to 100,000 gallons/year or more
Lawns need only 1" of water per week, and don't need to be watered daily; overwatering causes 85 of turf problems.  Water your lawn when its cool (early morning or night) to reduce evapotranspiration.  Install a rain shutoff device.  Collect rainwater with a rain barrel or cistern and use drip lines.  Convert turf to low water-use landscaping such as drought resistant grass, plants, shrubs, and trees.

Showerhead - 16% of home water use; 37,000 gallons/year
Take shorter showers (typical shower last 8 minutes and uses 17 gallons; and efficient shower last 3 or 4 minutes and uses 7.5 gallons).

Leaks - 14% of home water use; 30,000 gallons/year
Check for and repair toilet leaks that waste from 30 to 500 gallons of water per day.  Fix faucet leaks - a gradual dripping faucet can leak up to 5 gallons of water per day.

Toilet - 27% of home water use; 60,000 gallons/year
Offset older toilets with a plastic jug of pebbles and water to minimize flushing. Flush less frequently.