RESIDENTIAL WATER CONSERVATION
INDOOR WATER SAVING TIPS
- Turn water off while brushing teeth.
- When washing hands, turn off water while lathering with soap.
- Take short showers instead of baths. The average bath uses up to 50 gallons of water. A 10-minute shower with a low-flow showerhead only uses 25 gallons.
- Replace older toilets with WaterSense models that use less water per flush. Replace showerheads with WaterSense models and apply water-saving aerators to your faucets.
- Use the dishwater and washing machine only when they are full. Use the shortest cycle when washing clothes.
- Check for toilet and faucet leaks (see Fix-A-Leak info.)
- Defrost food in the refrigerator instead of using running water.
- When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink with soapy water and the other with rinse water. Don’t leave faucet running to wash dishes.
- Reuse water from fish tanks and pet bowls to water your plants.
- Always turn taps off tightly so they don’t drip.
HOUSEHOLD WATER AUDITS
HCWA encourages everyone to be good stewards of our water resources. Take a look at some additional water conservation tips and the Do It Yourself Household Water Assessment. There are things that all of us can do to use water wisely.
MY DROP COUNTS
My Drop Counts is a water conservation campaign aimed at reducing indoor and outdoor water use at your home and workplace. My Drop Counts offers tips and resources on how to save water, and features a pledge for individuals and businesses seeking to be better water stewards. Take the pledge today and join the nearly 1,000 individuals and businesses in our region that have made a commitment to saving water!
TOILET REBATE PROGRAM
The Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) continues to promote wise water use among its customers, providing financial incentives for their participation in the Toilet Rebate Program. The Authority has partnered with the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District to participate in the state's Single Family and Multi-Family Toilet Rebate Program.
Single Family Program
Single-family customers who own or rent a residential home built in 1993, who are in good standing and up-to-date on payments may apply to receive up to 2 rebates per property (including previous owners). When budgeted funds are available, HCWA customers may receive credit of $50 or $100 on their monthly water bill for upgrading their homes with water efficient toilets.
Rebates are limited and are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. When the budgeted funds are exhausted, all interested parties will need to wait until the following year to apply when more funds become available.
Eligibility Requirements and How to Apply - Please contact 404-463-8645 or toiletrebate@northgeorgiawater.com with any questions.
For FAQ's, eligibility requirements, approved toilets and to apply online, please visit
Single Family Rebate Qualifications
TOILET RECYCLING:
Please visit Recycling Toilet Program for more information about toilet recycling in your area.
EPA WATERSENSE NEW HOMES PROGRAM
WaterSense labeled homes allow families to enjoy all the comforts of home while using less water and energy and spending less money on utility bills. In fact, compared to a typical home, a WaterSense labeled home can save a family of four 50,000 gallons of water a year or more! That's enough to wash 2,000 loads of laundry and could amount to utility bill savings of up to $600 each year. Click link below for more information.
WaterSense Labeled Homes Quick Reference Guide
EPA WATERSENSE YOUR BETTER BATHROOM
Remodeling your bathroom? You can have your dream bathroom with the help of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® program. WaterSense labels thousands of products in a variety of price points, styles and finishes—from sleek to chic—to create your bathroom oasis. Not only do WaterSense labeled products look amazing, they are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well or better than standard models.
And since you won’t have as much water to heat while showering or shaving, WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures will save your family energy, and money on utility bills, too. A full bathroom remodel can save 10,000 gallons of water, enough energy to power your refrigerator for 7 months, and up to $150 in utility bills every year!
Not in the market for a full-blown bathroom remodel? Check out these videos for easy, inexpensive “bath hacks” you can do to improve your bathroom’s performance. Swap out your showerhead with a WaterSense labeled model, install a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator, or replace your leaky toilet flapper for big water savings.
Bath Hack #1 - Replace Your Showerhead
Bath Hack #2 - Replace Your Faucet Aerator
Bath Hack #3 - Replace Your Leaky Toilet Flapper
Learn more about ways to save water in your bathroom by visiting the WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense/better-bathroom.
OUTDOOR WATER SAVING TIPS
- Use a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
- Build a rain garden (How To Start A Rain Garden).
- Water plants in the morning before 10am or evening after 6pm when it’s cooler to reduce evaporation.
- Check sprinkler systems for leaks and replace broken parts.
- Spread mulch or pine straw around your plants and flowers to retain moisture and water less frequently.
- Use a WaterSense Irrigation System that is more water efficient.
- Do not water plants on a windy day.
- Most plants in vegetable and flower gardens do not need to be watered daily, a good rule of thumb is about 1 inch of water per week.
- Don’t use a hose to clean off your sidewalk, use a broom instead.
- Plant native and drought resistant plants that require less water.
EPA WATERSENSE EFFICIENT LANDSCAPES
Are you interested in developing a water-smart landscape for your home or property? The WaterSense Water-Smart Landscapes guide can get you started. Choosing the right plants, supporting soil health, and proper maintenance are all keys to water-smart landscapes. Consider the following suggestions to create a landscape that has curb appeal, conserves water and is easy to maintain.
