Since 80% of Oregon is experiencing a drought, here's some ways to conserve water: (*also, you shouldn't be washing your clothes in warm/ hot water) link to article in post. Portland

Residential Water Users

Lawn and Garden

Outdoor water use accounts for almost half the water used by the American home, and thus provides the greatest single opportunity for conserving. Water early in the morning before 10:00 a.m. Watering in the heat of the day allows the water to evaporate and watering late in the day may promote fungus and other lawn diseases. Depending on the weather, it’s generally better to water once a week and provide 1 inch to 1 ½ inches of water. (If it’s hot, you might have to water more often.) Time how long it takes to apply one inch of water by placing a flat-bottomed can about 6-feet away from the sprinkler.

Do not mow lawns too short; taller grass requires less water.

Consider letting your lawn brown out. It will come back.

Repair Leaks Check faucets and hose connections for leaks. Inspect pipes for pinhole leaks, and leaking joints. A slow drip can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day. Fix it and you will save almost 6,000 gallons a year.

Showers and Baths: Use low volume showerheads. They are inexpensive and can pay for themselves in water, sewer and energy savings in less than a year. For a five minute shower they can reduce water usage from some 40 gallons to 12 to 15 gallons.

Toilets

Flush only when needed. Do not use the toilet as a trash can. Put a water displacement device inside the toilet tank. Check for leaks. (If it's yellow ...)

Clothes Washer and Dishwasher Do only full loads. Avoid using extra cycles whenever possible. Choose a water-saving model.

Drinking Water Keep a container of cool water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet. Leave the water off when brushing your teeth or shaving. Don't buy bottled water!!!

Garbage Disposal

Use the sink disposal sparingly.

Car Washing

Rinse car once, wash from bucket, rinse quickly again. Be sure to use a shut-off nozzle on your hose.

Please contact your individual water utility for more information on water conservation. Following are links to some utilities with informational websites on water use and conservation (even if you don´t live in these cities, the websites contain a multitude of useful information).

http://ift.tt/1dvO9Fk

Why are you still washing your clothes in warm water?

http://ift.tt/1BnR8Vx

Submitted May 27, 2015 at 03:20AM by helicopter_at_face http://ift.tt/1dvO70f Portland