Looking for a one-stop-shop for conservation tips? We’ve got you covered!
Here in the Rogue Valley, we are fortunate enough to have access to reliable, high-quality drinking water—just by turning on the tap. We wake up in the morning, take a shower, brush our teeth, grab a cup of coffee, and head out for the day. While having water readily available at the tap may make it seem like there is an abundance of water, the reality is that water supplies are becoming more stressed each year. With drought occurring more frequently in southern Oregon it is even more essential for our communities to work together to find ways to use the water we have as efficiently as possible.
One way that each of us can make a difference is with the water used inside and outside our homes. The bathroom is by far the largest consumer of indoor water, while in our area, water use triples during the summer months largely due to the increase in lawn and landscape watering. Both areas can be a major source of wasted water due to leaks. Luckily, there are many ways in which you can use water more efficiently, starting with the following tips.
Six Ways to Save
1
Stop leaks
Check all water-using appliances, equipment, and other devices for leaks. Running toilets, steady faucet drips, home water treatment units, and outdoor sprinkler systems are common sources of leaks.
2
Provide only the water plants need
Automatic landscape irrigation systems are a home’s biggest water user. To make sure you’re not overwatering, adjust your irrigation controller at least once a month to account for changes in the weather.
Better yet, install a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller, which uses local weather and landscape conditions to water only when plants need it. Install a rain shutoff device, soil moisture sensor, or humidity sensor to further control irrigation. We even have a rebate available! Learn about our Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program on our Rebates page.
3
Plant the right plants
Whether you’re installing a new landscape or changing the existing one, select plants that are appropriate for your climate. Consider landscaping techniques designed to create a visually attractive landscape by using low-water and drought-resistant grass, plants, shrubs, and trees.
Our Water Wise Gardening website highlights water-wise gardening concepts tailored to the climate of the Rogue Valley, and includes hundreds of diverse photos providing a wide variety of attractive examples.
4
Schedule a Free Sprinkler Survey
Medford Water offers free sprinkler system evaluations to help you use water efficiently in the landscape. Click here to learn more.
5
Replace old toilets
The major water use inside the home is toilet flushing. If your home was built before 1992 and you haven’t replaced your toilets recently, you could benefit from installing a WaterSense labeled model that uses 1.28 gallons or less per flush. A family of four can save 16,000 gallons of water per year by making this change. We have a rebate available for this, too! Find out more about our Toilet Rebate Program here.
6
Install WaterSense labeled faucet aerators and showerheads
WaterSense labeled products use at least 20 percent less water than standard models, while
providing equal or superior performance.
More Information
For a handy guide on how to save water inside and outside your home, download this PDF about saving water.