Water Saving Tips We can achieve greater efficiency in water use and consumption through adapting our behaviors and to new technology. For instance, you can replace plumbing or fixtures in your home or church to be more efficient. You and your congregation can also alter your personal habits. Let's go through the church building and see where and how water conservation can happen: Bathroom Install a low flush toilet. While standard toilets installed before 1980 use 7 gallons per flush, ultra low-flow toilets use only 1.6 gallons. A family of four flushing six times a day can save $156 a year by making the switch. A post 1980 toilet uses 3.5 gallons a flush. Replacing this toilet could save $78 a year. Think about how much your whole congregation might save throughout the year. See this link for more information. Check for a leaking toilet by putting food coloring in each toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, there is a leak. It's easy to fix, and you can save more than 18,000 gallons a year per toilet. This could be a savings of $126 a year. Check for leaky faucets or install aerators on them. Landscaping Install plants that require little water or that are native to the environment you live in. Water in the early morning or evening hours to reduce evaporation. Collect and use gray water to nourish plants. Gray water is wastewater from the shower or sink that would normally go down the drain. Have your sprinkler crew or landscaping company adjust sprinklers to spray only on grass and planted surfaces and away from paved surfaces. Turn off sprinklers on days when it will rain. Hot Water Heater Set hot water heaters to 120 degrees. Wrap an insulating blanket around hot water heaters if they are more than five years old. Around the Church Repair all toilets, faucets, appliances, and hoses that leak water. Also check and repair outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks. Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage. Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower. For more water saving tips tailored for your region, please visit: http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100ways/index.shtml http://www.mwra.state.ma.us/publications/ulftoilet Find more tips for saving water around your church in our creation friendly green building guide: Building a Firm Foundation.