Kerr Lake Regional Water System would ask that all of its customers, large and small, practice water conservation year round in order to be good water stewards.

Some suggestions for water conservation are listed below:

Look for leaks – and repair them right away.

• Most leaks are easy to detect and repair.  For sinks, check faucets and pipes for dripping water.  Replace washers, and repair or replace fixtures, if needed.
• For toilets, add food coloring to the tank water and check the bowl in 15 minutes.  (Don’t flush.)  If there’s color in the toilet bowl, it means there’s a leak.

Install water-saving devices.

• If you don’t already have water-efficient or low-flow fixtures, you can cut your water use with:
• aerators (devices that mix air with water)
• low-flow fixtures (such as shower heads), flow restrictors or cut-off valves
• displacement devices (to reduce the amount of water used in older toilets)
• Make sure all devices are properly installed.

Wash dishes wisely.

• If you use a dishwasher, wash only full loads.
• If you wash dishes by hand:
• Scrape dishes (but don’t pre-rinse) and soak pots and pans before washing.
• Don’t run the water continuously.
• Limit your use of the garbage disposal.  Better yet-compost!

Use less water to clean your home.

• Use a pail or basin instead of running water.  Also, use a sponge mop instead of a string mop (sponge mops use less water and take less water to keep clean).

Check hoses and irrigation systems.

• Use a hose nozzle that you can shut off or adjust to a fine spray.  When finished, shut it off at the house to avoid leaks.