PROTECT OUR WATER
Water is such a vital part of everyday life that we sometimes take it for granted. Water is a precious resource, especially in Arizona. We all have an impact on our water supplies, both in terms of water quality and the amount of water that we each use. As public utility regulators, we share your concern for preserving our way of life, while conserving and protecting this precious natural resource.
Here are a few simple things that we can all do to help ensure that the next generation has safe, clean water.
- Avoid using pesticides or chemical fertilizers. They pose a severe threat to your health, and they pollute both ground and surface water.
- Don’t use antibacterial soaps or cleaning products. Most of these contain Triclosan, a registered pesticide that has been found harmful to aquatic life. The American Medical Association claims that our use of antibacterial agents may lead to “superbugs” that will be antibiotic-resistant. Regular soap and water kill germs just as effectively.
- Choose non-toxic household products whenever possible. The best way to keep from polluting is to use products that are not dangerous to the environment in the first place. White vinegar, baking soda, and lemons are great alternatives to conventional household cleaning products.
- Never flush unwanted or out-of-date medicines down the toilet or the drain. Find out if your county or city has a site or program to collect unwanted pharmaceuticals. If not, pour water or vinegar in the bottle to destroy the pills and make them inaccessible to children and then put them in the trash.
Storm Water Run off – Did you know?
Did you know that stormwater is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the United States? Stormwater comes from precipitation that flows across the ground or pavement when it rains or when ice or snow melts. Stormwater runoff picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants, and can carry them to local waterways causing harm, unlike the water from showers and toilets, which goes into a wastewater treatment facility or an on-site septic system.
Substances carried by stormwater runoff that are considered pollutants include:
- Hazardous Materials
- Pesticides like Roundup & Fertilizers
- Motor oil/Vehicle Fluids
- Household Cleaners & Solvents
- Sediment & Trash
- Construction Debris
- Animal Waste
Never put anything except water down stormwater drains!! Be the solution to stormwater pollution.
Water Conservation Tips
Here are some helpful tips to help you conserve this essential commodity throughout
In the Kitchen
- Check all faucets and pipes for leaks regularly and fix immediately. One drip every second adds up to five gallons per day!
- Wash ONLY full loads in the dishwasher or washing machine.
- Do not let the water run when washing dishes by hand.
- Keep a pitcher of chilled water in the fridge for drinking instead of running the water until it gets cold.
In the Bathroom
- Check that toilets are not leaking. A leaking toilet is the number one place that water is wasted in the home. This type of leak can go unnoticed because the wasted water goes into the septic system.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands.
- Take showers instead of baths and time your showers to keep it under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
- Consider installing a water saving shower head. New fixtures use approximately 2.5 gallons per minute and offer equal water coverage and pressure.
- Consider installing a high efficiency toilet (HET) that only uses 1.28 gallons per flush.
Outside the House
- Grass, flowers, and trees benefit the most from slow, thorough, infrequent watering. Water use efficiency
is significantly increased by watering deeply, but less often. - Aerate lawns and water only between 6 pm to 8 am.
- Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb.
- Harvest rainwater to supplement watering needs during dry periods.
- Plant hardy, water-saving plants, trees, and shrubs, particularly native species.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, porches, and driveways to save water every time.
Educational Links
https://new.azwater.gov/conservation