Water Conservation Tips!

Every Drop Counts

Water is one of our community's most valuable resources. Conserving water helps protect Southington's groundwater supplies, reduces the cost of operating the water system, and ensures a reliable supply during periods of drought or emergency.

Many simple changes around your home and business can significantly reduce water use without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Bathroom Water Savings

Bathrooms account for the largest share of indoor household water use.

You Can Save Water By:

  • Never use the toilet as a waste basket.
  • Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Take shorter showers whenever possible.
  • Turn the water off while lathering or shampooing.
  • Fill bathtubs only halfway when practical.
  • Bathe young children together when appropriate.
  • Install EPA WaterSense® toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators.

Did You Know?

A leaking toilet can waste more than 200 gallons of water every day.

To check for a toilet leak, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the toilet has a leak that should be repaired.

Kitchen & Laundry

Simple changes in the kitchen and laundry room can save thousands of gallons of water each year.

Tips

  • Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet until the water becomes cold.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl rather than under running water.
  • Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator—not under running water.
  • Scrape food from dishes instead of pre-rinsing.
  • Run dishwashers only when completely full.
  • Operate washing machines only with full loads whenever practical.
  • Select the appropriate load size for smaller loads.
  • Compost food scraps instead of using the garbage disposal when possible.

Outdoor Water Conservation

Outdoor watering can significantly increase water use during the summer months.

Lawn & Garden Tips

  • Water only when necessary.
  • Water early in the morning or during the evening.
  • Avoid watering on windy days.
  • Check irrigation systems regularly for leaks.
  • Adjust sprinkler heads so they water landscaping—not sidewalks or driveways.
  • Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses whenever practical.
  • Install rain or soil moisture sensors on irrigation systems.

Landscaping

  • Choose native or drought-tolerant plants.
  • Reduce large turf grass areas where practical.
  • Add compost to improve soil moisture retention.
  • Apply mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
  • Raise mower blade height during summer to reduce evaporation.
  • Aerate compacted lawns to improve water absorption.

Around the Home

Simple outdoor habits also help conserve water.

  • Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of using a hose.
  • Wash vehicles using a bucket or visit commercial car washes that recycle water.
  • Use hoses equipped with automatic shutoff nozzles.
  • Avoid recreational toys that require a constant flow of water.
  • Repair leaking outdoor faucets and hoses promptly.

Swimming Pools

Pools can lose significant amounts of water through evaporation.

Help conserve water by:

  • Using a pool cover whenever the pool is not in use.
  • Maintaining the proper water level.
  • Repairing leaks promptly.
  • Installing water-efficient filtration equipment when replacing existing systems.

Check for Leaks

Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water each year.

Regularly inspect:

  • Toilets
  • Faucets
  • Showerheads
  • Outdoor spigots
  • Irrigation systems
  • Garden hoses
  • Water softeners
  • Pool plumbing

If your water bill suddenly increases without a change in water use, you may have a hidden leak.

Water-Efficient Landscaping

Water-efficient landscaping reduces maintenance while conserving water.

Consider:

  • Native Connecticut plants
  • Drought-tolerant landscaping
  • Mulched planting beds
  • Drip irrigation
  • Proper soil preparation
  • Grouping plants with similar watering needs

Healthy soil retains moisture longer and requires less irrigation.

Decorative Water Features

If you install ornamental fountains or water features:

  • Choose systems that continuously recirculate water.
  • Inspect equipment regularly for leaks.
  • Reduce or discontinue operation during drought conditions.

The Southington Water Department's Commitment

The Southington Water Department conserves water through:

  • Annual water system water audits
  • Biennial leak detection surveys
  • Prompt repair of water main leaks
  • Ongoing water main replacement
  • Customer meter replacement and maintenance
  • System pressure monitoring
  • Public education and outreach

By working together, we can protect Southington's water resources for current and future generations.

Learn More

Additional information about water conservation is available from: