Water Conservation & Plumbing Retrofit Opportunities

Southington Water Department encourages customers to consider water-efficient fixtures, appliances, and plumbing improvements when replacing older equipment or completing renovations. Small improvements in water efficiency can reduce household water use, lower water and energy costs, and help protect Southington's long-term water supply.

Consider Water-Efficient Replacements

When replacing plumbing fixtures or water-using appliances, customers are encouraged to consider high-efficiency products, including EPA WaterSense-labeled products where applicable.

Common opportunities include:

  • High-efficiency toilets

  • Water-saving showerheads

  • Efficient bathroom and kitchen faucets

  • Faucet aerators

  • High-efficiency clothes washers

  • Water-efficient dishwashers

  • Irrigation controls and other outdoor water-saving equipment

WaterSense-labeled products are designed to use less water while meeting established performance criteria.

Replace Older Fixtures as Opportunities Arise

SWD does not require customers to replace functioning plumbing fixtures solely for conservation purposes. However, when older fixtures fail, properties are renovated, or appliances reach the end of their useful life, customers are encouraged to consider water-efficient replacements.

Over time, normal property improvements and current plumbing standards help reduce water use throughout the community without requiring large-scale mandatory retrofit programs.

Check for Leaks and Unusual Water Use

Leaks can account for significant unnecessary water use. Customers should periodically check:

  • Toilets for leaking flappers or fill valves

  • Faucets and showerheads for dripping

  • Outside faucets and irrigation systems

  • Water service piping for unexplained leakage

  • Automatic irrigation systems for damaged or incorrectly adjusted equipment

A sudden or unexplained increase in water use may be an indication of a leak or other plumbing problem.

SWD office and field personnel regularly assist customers with questions regarding unusual water consumption and may contact customers when unexplained usage is identified.

Water Meter Accuracy

Southington Water Department has standardized its customer metering program around Badger Meter E-Series meters.

Meters are tested and verified for accuracy as appropriate before being placed into service. Meters removed from service are also tested on SWD's meter test bench, and the results are recorded. This program helps SWD maintain accurate customer billing, identify deteriorating or inaccurate meters, and reduce apparent water losses caused by meter under-registration.

Outdoor Water Conservation

Outdoor irrigation can represent a significant portion of summer water demand. Customers can reduce unnecessary outdoor water use by:

  • Watering lawns and landscaping only when needed

  • Watering during cooler portions of the day

  • Avoiding irrigation during rainfall

  • Adjusting sprinklers so water is applied to landscaped areas rather than pavement

  • Repairing leaking or damaged irrigation equipment

  • Using mulch and drought-tolerant landscaping where practical

  • Following SWD water-use restrictions or conservation requests when implemented during drought conditions

SWD's Continuing Conservation Program

Southington Water Department does not currently operate a utility-funded plumbing fixture rebate or retrofit program. Instead, SWD promotes conservation through customer education, its website, direct customer communications, meter accuracy programs, leak identification, and routine interaction between customers and Department personnel.

SWD will continue to encourage voluntary installation of water-efficient fixtures and appliances and will evaluate additional conservation measures when warranted by system demand, water-supply conditions, technological changes, or future regulatory requirements.

Every Gallon Conserved Helps Protect Southington's Water Supply

Responsible water use helps reduce unnecessary demand on wells, treatment facilities, storage, and distribution infrastructure while preserving reliable water supplies for current and future customers.

For questions regarding water use, unusual consumption, meter accuracy, or water conservation, please contact the Southington Water Department.