When it comes to conserving water, every drop matters. In the vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington, water is a prized commodity. It is as much a part of the city’s identity as its scenic views or thriving art scene. However, the need to conserve this valuable resource is paramount to maintaining the city’s healthy environment and quality of life. Today, we’ll be talking about Tacoma water conservation and why it matters.
Every day, Tacoma Public Utilities works hard to ensure that clean, healthy water flows from every tap in the city. However, it’s not an unlimited resource. With the increasing complexities of climate change, population growth, and changing water sources, the need for all of us to become conscious of our water consumption is becoming ever more necessary.
However, you might be wondering what you can do to help. The great news is that even small changes can make a significant impact when it comes to water conservation. In this article, we will dive into various water conservation methods embraced by Tacoma locals and the amazing difference these efforts can make.
Water-Saving Appliances & Fixtures
Switching out outdated appliances and fixtures for newer, more water-efficient models is one of the most effective ways to conserve water. Whether you’re replacing an old washing machine with a high-efficiency model or swapping out your faucets for those labeled as WaterSense, these updates can save hundreds of gallons of water each year. By using WaterSense labeled products, the average family can save 13,000 gallons of water per year[^1^].
Smart Landscaping
Another aspect of water conservation in Tacoma is through smart landscaping. This involves using water-friendly plants, grouping plants with similar watering needs together, and properly timing your irrigation. Tacoma Public Utilities provides several resources for sustainable gardening, including a water-friendly plant database and advice from gardening experts[^2^].
Leak Detection
Did you know that a slow drip from a leaking faucet can waste as much as 20 gallons of water per day, and a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day? Regularly inspecting your home for leaks and addressing them quickly is a simple way to save water in Tacoma. Tacoma Public Utilities even offers a guide for self-conducted home leak inspections[^3^].
Watering Wisely
Being mindful about when and how much we water our lawns and gardens can make a tremendous difference in water conservation. For example, watering your landscape in the early morning or late evening can reduce evaporation and ensure that your plants get the most out of your watering.
Tacoma Public Utilities recommends watering deeply, but less frequently. This helps to create a more robust root system and more drought-resistant plants. They also recommend following the water schedule, a watering rule that assigns even and odd-numbered addresses to corresponding days of the week for water usage in landscaping. For example, if your house number is an even number, you would water your landscape on even-numbered calendar days.
Rewards and Incentives
To encourage water conservation, Tacoma Public Utilities also offers several incentives. For instance, they offer a $75 rebate on the purchase of a Premium High-Efficiency Toilet that uses just 1.1 gallons per flush (gpf) or less, which is a significant improvement over older models that use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush!
Conclusion
Tacoma water conservation is something that affects us all, and we can all do our part to help. Whether it’s upgrading to water-efficient appliances, being mindful of our lawn and garden watering habits, or checking for leaks regularly, every little bit helps.
Water conservation is not only beneficial for our environment but can also have significant cost-saving impacts on our monthly utility bills. By embracing these water-saving techniques, we can all contribute to Tacoma’s sustainable future and enjoy the benefits of a healthier planet and a more livable city.
Remember, every drop counts!
[^1^]: EPA WaterSense Product – How We Use Water
