Conservation
Table of Contents
Smart Water Use: Every Drop Counts
It may seem like it rains endlessly in Seattle - but surprisingly, we receive less annual rainfall than places like Tucson, Arizona!
In fact, water use in our region peaks from mid-May through mid-September, just when rainfall is lowest and rivers and streams need it most for fish and wildlife survival.
Conserving water year-round helps ensure there's enough fresh water for our community and environment today and for generations to come.
Easy Ways to Save Water at Home
Small changes can make a big impact.
Follow these simple tips to save water, protect the environment, and lower your utility bills.
Stop Leaks Early
- A small faucet or pipe leak can waste 20+ gallons per day.
- Check regularly and repair leaks promptly.
- Measure water wasted due to leaks with the Water Wiser Drip Calculator.
- Skyway customers can pick up free leak detection dye strips at the District office!
In the Kitchen
- Handwashing dishes? Fill the sink instead of running the tap.
- Dishwasher use? Only run full loads to maximize efficiency.
- Install low-flow fixtures and faucet aerators to reduce water usage.
In the Bathroom
- Don’t use toilets as trash cans. Use a wastebasket for tissues and waste.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Install WaterSense-labeled shower heads and toilets.
- Shorten your showers to save gallons of water.
- Test your toilet for leaks:
Add food coloring or use a leak detection strip in the tank - if color appears in the bowl without flushing, it's leaking.
Learn how to replace a leaking flapper
Fixing leaks can save up to 10,000 gallons per year!
In the Laundry Room
- Always run full loads, or select the appropriate load size.
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency washing machine to cut water and energy use.
Smart Water Use Outdoors
Smarter Landscaping and Watering
- Water your lawn early in the morning or after sunset to reduce evaporation.
- Water deeply but infrequently - about one inch per week, including rainfall.
- Install drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to plant roots.
- Maintain your irrigation system and adjust it with changing weather.
(Consider adding a rain sensor!)
Other Outdoor Water Savers
- Sweep, don’t hose, your driveways and sidewalks.
- Wash cars at commercial car washes - they recycle water and prevent pollutants from entering streams.
- If washing at home, use a shut-off nozzle and a bucket of soapy water.
Free Water-Saving Tools for Skyway Customers!
Skyway Water & Sewer District, in partnership with Cascade Water Alliance, offers FREE water-saving items to our customers!
You can order items like:
- High-efficiency shower heads
- Faucet aerators
- Shower timers
- Other conservation tools
Order your free water-saving items at Cascade Water Alliance's website.
Brought to you by: Skyway Water & Sewer District In partnership with Cascade Water Alliance