10 Ways to Save Water at Home this Summer

As summer arrives, average household water consumption can more than double, mostly due to landscape irrigation. Below are ten ways you can be water efficient this summer, both inside and outside your home.

Indoor, unlike outdoor water use, is largely the same year-round. That is good news, because it means a few water-saving measures can save a lot on indoor water consumption.

1. Regularly repair water leaks, which can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons of water a month. Learn how to be a 'leak detective', or schedule a free home water audit.
2. Replace old toilets or washing machines with new, WaterSense labeled products, then request a rebate from Hillsboro Water.
3. Take shorter showers. Each minute you shave off your shower time saves up to 2.5 gallons of water.
4. Install high-efficiency showerheads and bathroom and kitchen aerators. Both devices available for free on the first floor of the Hillsboro Civic Center.
5. Scrape instead of pre-rinsing dishes and save yourself up to 20 gallons of water a month.

During warm summer months, Hillsboro community members often spend time outdoors tending to lawns, growing gardens, and washing cars - all activities that can significantly increase water use. Here are some simple ways to be water-efficient outdoors:

1. Adjust sprinklers so they water your lawn and garden, not the street or sidewalk.
2. Water before 10 am or after 6 pm when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
3. Adjust your watering schedules throughout the irrigation season. Find out how much to water each week this summer by signing up to receive your personalized Weekly Watering Number.
4. Inspect your overall irrigation system for leaks and broken or blocked lines. A well-maintained system will save you money, water, and time.
5. Install a smart water meter device and a weather-based irrigation controller, and apply for rebates from Hillsboro Water.