Ponds and Fountains
Regularly inspect ponds and fountains for leaks and make repairs as soon as possible. Install a timer to shut off the fountain during the hottest part of the day and at night. For large fountains, install an anemometer to shut off the fountain when it’s windy. Install a meter on the feed line to track the amount of water that the pond or fountain uses, which will notify you of a leak.
Power Washing
Try sweeping, scraping or brushing instead of power washing. If power washing is the only option, use nozzles that release three gallons per minute or less. Replace brass and plastic nozzles with stainless steel nozzles to prevent brass from wearing down and making the nozzle opening bigger, thus wasting water.
Construction Water
Contractors should educate their employees and sub-contractors on how to use water efficiently. Water used to control dust should be applied at a slow rate that prevents runoff.
Car Washing
Commercial car washes are usually more water efficient than washing your car at home, and some places recycle their water. Those that don’t recycle direct their wastewater to the sanitary sewer, which keeps detergents and other pollutants out of streams and rivers. If you do wash your car at home, use a bucket for soap and water and use a low-phosphate soap. Use a shut-off nozzle on the hose to rinse your car. When possible, direct the runoff to a pervious surface, such as a lawn or a gravel area, to prevent the wastewater from flowing directly into streams or rivers.