Water Conservation

Lawn Watering Restrictions

In an effort to conserve water for fire protection, health and environmental reasons, water conservation measures are in effect from May 15 through September 15.

During this time, the watering of lawns is permitted between the hours of 6pm to 10am ONLY. Properties with odd numbered postal addresses can water on odd-numbered calendar days, and at properties with even-numbered postal addresses can water on even-numbered days. Please adjust your lawn irrigation schedule to reflect these restrictions.

Conserve Water and Have a Healthy Lawn

Watering your lawn frequently not only wastes water, but also promotes shallower root systems, weeds and crabgrass. Here are some tips for conserving water and having a healthy lawn:

  • Water deeply, not frequently. Your lawn will be healthier if it receives about one inch of water every three to four days. Providing more will over-saturate the soil, causing water to run off.
  • Make sure you are watering your lawn, not the street or sidewalk. Water that falls on pavement goes into our sewer systems, increases your water bill and wastes water.
  • Use a rain gauge. Rain gauges will tell you how much rain has fallen and how much more water, if any, you should add by sprinkling the lawn.
  • Sprinklers are available with dials that can be set to water specific amounts at specific times. You can purchase them at your local hardware store or garden center.
  • If you have an automatic system, make sure it has a rain meter installed. This will prevent the system from running during rainstorms, which are critical times for our water system to recharge.
  • Place a layer of mulch around trees and plants to retain water.
  • If you are able, water your lawn in the early morning to avoid evaporation.
  • You can limit the need for sprinkling by setting your mower to cut the grass higher, protecting the soil from excess evaporation.

Plumbing leaks

Leaks from pipes, plumbing fixtures and fittings are a significant source of water waste for many households.  Research has shown that the typical home can lose 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks. Some leaks are obvious, such as dripping faucets and leaking water heaters. Unfortunately, many leaks go undetected for years because the source of the leak is not visible.

Use Water Meter to check for leaks

Larger leaks or a combination of small leaks can often be detected by your water meter. Using your water meter you can perform a simple leak check with the following steps:

  • Make sure all water is turned off inside and outside the home.  This test must be performed when no automatic water equipment is used, such as irrigation controllers, clothes washers, dishwashers, etc.
  • Record the reading of the water meter, and wait 1 hour. Be certain no one uses any water during this time.
  • Record the reading of the meter again. If the meter has recorded water use during the test, it might be due to a leak. Verify that the water use is not due to small appliances such as water filters, water softeners, ice machines, or whole house humidifiers.

Toilet Leaks

Toilets are one the most common sources of leaks in the home, and usually go unnoticed because the leaks are often silent and out of view.  Several research studies have found 20% to 35% of all residential toilets leak to some degree. Large toilet leaks can be detected when the valve constantly emits a hissing or gurgling sound when the toilet is not in use.

To begin looking for leaks remove the tank lid and inspect the flush mechanisms. The water level in the tank should be no higher than 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube.  If the water level is at the very top of the overflow tube, water is slowly leaking into the overflow tube and down the drain.  The problem has one of three causes:

  • The water level is adjusted too high
  • The float is damaged and not shutting off the refill valve
  • The refill valve (ball-cock assembly) is worn and needs replacement.

You can perform a simple dye test to check for leaks in the flapper valve.  Place dye tablets or a couple drops of food coloring into the tank water to give the water color.  If the colored water appears in the bowl within 15 minutes, there is a leak in the flapper valve. Leaks occur when the flapper valve does not create a watertight seal.  The seal can be compromised due to several reasons:

  • The chain snagging, not allowing the flapper to drop completely onto the valve seat
  • The valve seat is worn
  • The flapper is worn or warped. A worn flapper is the most common cause by far, and can be easily replaced.

Dye strips are available, upon request, at the Water Department in the Village Hall.