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Water Conservation
- Home
- Why Should
You Care?
- Tips for
Inside Your Home
- Tips for
Outside Your Home
- NJ Water Savers
- EPA WaterSense
The Case for Water Conservation in New Jersey
Did you know the average American uses 100 gallons of water per day? In the summer, outdoor water use can more than double! So, what can be done to conserve this nonrenewable resource? We can reduce our water use by as much as 30% by taking a few simple steps, both inside and outside your home. Select the tabs above to learn more!
While water conservation is important all the time, it is especially important during times of Drought. Visit www.njdrought.org to determine if your area is under a drought watch or warning, the scientific data collected to determine drought status, and additional ideas for water conservation in your home.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is committed to protecting the future of our water supply through water-efficient practices, products, and services. For more information on water conservation, contact the Division of Water Supply & Geoscience at 609-292-7219.
Sustainable Jersey – Water Conservation Model Ordinance
Why Should You Care?
- Water is a nonrenewable resource, meaning that we have a finite amount to use again and again, which requires expensive processing and treating
- New Jersey’s population density & growing demand for water causes stress on our water supply
- Efficient water use will save money, help protect the environment and ensure future water supplies
- Protecting and preserving our water supply is critical to our economic future and to human health and safety
- Small changes can make a big difference
- Efficient water use in non-drought times may prevent the need for water restrictions during dry, hot weather
- Many water-efficient fixtures and appliances offer equivalent or superior performance to their water-intensive counterparts
View a video created by a Watershed Ambassador about why water is important, and what can be done to conserve!
Select the links below to learn more about the benefits of water efficiency:
Tips for Inside Your Home
View Video of simple tips to help you conserve water inside your home
There are many areas in your home where you can save water.
In the Bathroom (where more than half of household water use occurs!):
If you... |
You’ll save up to.... |
Install a low-flow showerhead |
7,665 gallons and $50 per year |
Take 5 minute showers |
76,650 gallons and $498 per year |
Install a low-flow toilet |
10,986 gallons and $70 per year |
Turn off water while brushing teeth |
11,680 gallons and $75 per year |
Fix constantly-running toilets |
73,846 gallons and $480 per year |
In the Laundry Room:
If you… |
You’ll save up to…. |
Upgrade to a high efficiency washer |
14,585 gallons and $94 per year |
Run washing machine only when full |
10,534 gallons and $68 per year |
In the Kitchen:
If you… |
You’ll save up to…. |
Only run the dishwasher when it’s full |
2,920 gallons and $19 per year |
Install high-efficiency dishwasher |
1,314 gallons and $8 per year |
Use a faucet aerator, low flow faucet |
15,622 gallons and $100 per year |
Take care of household leaks |
10% on water bill |
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Additionally, you can conserve water in the kitchen by:
- Storing drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet until the water is cold
- Washing fruits & vegetables in a basin, rather than under running water
- Defrosting frozen foods in the refrigerator overnight rather than under running water
- Add food wastes to a compost pile rather than using the garbage disposal
These few tips add up to more than 225,000 gallons conserved each year while also saving you as much as $1,462*! Now, imagine if you applied these strategies to every sink, shower, toilet and appliance in your home…
*Calculation based on an average NJ water rate of $6.50 per 1,000 gallons of water.
Insert image of “drought_flyer_2016_final” with click-to-enlarge option
Tips for Outside Your Home
View a Video with simple tips on how to conserve water outside your home
Outside your home in the spring, summer and fall months, landscaping and sprinklers are major water users. To conserve water in these areas, consider:
When landscaping:
In the Garden:
- Use native plants that need less water
- Group plants together based on water needs
- Choose drought-tolerant grass varieties, such as fine-leaf fescues
- Mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and water-consuming weeds
- Cut back on lawn areas and increase the size of areas that need less water, such as native plant beds
- If puddles form on the landscape or in the street, you are overwatering
- Water plants in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Water the root zone of plants instead of the foliage
- Water deeply and less frequently for a deeper, healthier root system
- Add organic matter to the soil to improve water- and nutrient-holding capacity
- Use water from dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners to water your plants
- For more ideas, visit the NJ Master Gardeners
Outdoor Household Chores:
- Use a commercial car wash that recycles water
- Raise your lawnmower blade to at least 3 inches to promote deeper grass roots which hold water better
- Don’t over fertilize lawns, which causes them to need more water to survive
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps, rather than using a hose
Outdoor Recreation
- Avoid recreational toys that require a constant stream of water
- If you have a pool, purchase a water-saving filter
- Cover your pool when not in use, to reduce evaporation rates.
More Outdoor Water Saving Tips:
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view image as PDF |
NJ Water Savers
In 2007, DEP’s Division of Water Supply partnered with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Water Resources Program to develop the NJ Water Savers Program Five communities were chosen based on specific water supply issues: Rahway (urban community supplied by Rahway River), Belmar Borough (beach community in Critical Water Supply Area, with seasonal population swells), Livingston (suburban bedroom community with high outdoor irrigation use and summer water use peaks), East Greenwich (rural farming community with increasing farmland being converted to large-lot suburban developments), and Egg Harbor Township (Pinelands Regional Growth Area that absorbed massive growth in a very short period of time). The program consisted of working closely with the Environmental Commissions of these communities, making water-saving recommendations and ultimately implementing those recommendations. These include:
- Retrofits to Public School Building bathrooms in all 5 communities, with water-saving fixtures donated by American Standard.
- “Name Your Rebate for Water Savings at Home” program to determine what incentives are necessary to encourage homeowners to update to water-conserving technologies. Incentives were given as funding allowed.
- A WaterSense Certifiable Home was built through a partnership with Dobley Construction. The home adheres to EPA New Home Specifications, and features all WaterSense plumbing fixtures.
- Installing sub-meters at Section 8 Housing
- Water Champions Program to engage Rahway High School students in water conservation by equipping them with knowledge, allowing students to perform water audits on their school, and ultimately using the data to propose a bathroom retrofit with fixtures donated by American Standard.
- Demonstration Native Plants, Rain Gardens & Natural Retention Basins were installed in Livingston, East Greenwich, Egg Harbor Township, and Belmar.
- Build-a-Rain-Barrel Workshops were held in all 5 communities to teach community members about the importance of water conservation, and how to construct their own barrel at home.
- The “One Barrel at a Time” Co-op served as a rain barrel beautification campaign, with 35 artists around New Jersey designing and painting rain barrels, which were auctioned off. Funds raised were used to offset program costs, with the balance going to the artists.
- A Smart Irrigation Controller demonstration/test site was installed at the Thompson Park soccer field in East Greenwich, as well as in the WaterSense Certifiable Home mentioned above.
- An Irrigation System Upgrade demonstration project was completed at the Magical Garden Co-op in Belmar, resulting in a 53% increase in the site’s water efficiency, (from 38% to 91%).
- The Healthy Lawns Program partnered with the Brickman Group to recreate two healthy, sustainable lawns, for use as demonstration and study sites. This involved a two-month process to kill invading weeds, install 55 yards of compost, prepare the soil, and hydro-seed.
- A Rainwater Harvesting system was installed at the Samuel Mickle School’s “Wild Site” in East Greenwich. The water from a huge, 500-gallon rain barrel is pumped through a water-efficient irrigation system to provide water for the students’ native plant gardens.
- Water Conservation ideas were marketed to tourists at Belmar through a self-guided MP3 bike/walking tour, a demonstration project at the beach, and educational materials available for rent
- A Model Water Conservation Ordinance was created and made a “Priority Item” for municipalities seeking Sustainable Jersey certification.
- The Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) curriculum was taught in Rahway, East Greenwich, and Egg Harbor Township, with funding for a Water Festival awarded to teachers who finished the curriculum. Egg Harbor Township applied and received funding to hold their first student-run Water Festival.
- Useful water conservation tips and information were provided at community events in every participating municipality, in cooperation with the Environmental Commissions.
- Water Supply/Conservation Videos were created in partnership with NJ American Water to discuss water supply issues in NJ, to showcase the WaterSense certifiable house, and to focus on both indoor and outdoor residential water conservation.
- For more information on the NJ WaterSavers Program call 609-292-7219.
Programs & Resources to Help You Conserve Water- EPA WaterSense
WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency whose goal is to make it easy for Americans to save water and protect the environment. WaterSense offers the following programs, tools and resources:
WaterSense Labeled Products
Similar to the EPA EnergyStar program, WaterSense labels products that meet developed water efficiency and performance standards. When you use products bearing the WaterSense label, you can expect exceptional performance, savings on your water bills, and assurance that you are saving water for future generations. Look for the WaterSense label to choose quality, water-efficient products. Many products are available, and don't require a change in your lifestyle. To find out more about the WaterSense labeling program visit www3.epa.gov/watersense/product_search.html.
WaterSense Educational Materials
WaterSense has also developed FREE educational materials for teachers. A Day in the Life of a Drop is a set of activities designed to help students in grades 3–5 understand the connections between the source of the water they use and the ways their water use habits affect the environment and human health. Students also learn how to reduce their impacts and engage family members. After completing the worksheets, students and families take the Pledge to Filter Out Bad Water Habits to demonstrate their commitment to saving water for the future. To access the materials go to www3.epa.gov/watersense/our_water/learn_more.html#tabs-6.
Water Efficiency Facts & Tips
The WaterSense program offers water efficiency facts and tips on how you can save water including facts on why water efficiency is important, answers to the most common water use questions, the monetary, environmental and health benefits of conserving water, and useful tips on how we can all use water more efficiently. To access this information go to www3.epa.gov/watersense/about_us/facts.html.
WaterSense Partners
NJDEP is a WaterSense Partner! Find out how your company or organization can become a partner too!
Making water-efficient products the preferred choice among consumers will help preserve water supplies for future generations, save on utility bills, and protect the environment. EPA is partnering with manufacturers, retailers and distributors, local and state governments, utilities, water districts, trade associations, nonprofits, certified irrigation professionals, and professional certifying organizations to bring water-efficient products to markets and spread the word about the need for smart water use. Find out how to become a WaterSense partner at www3.epa.gov/watersense/partners/join.html.
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