Conservation

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