Example Conservation Actions for Residential Water Users

1
Example Conservation Actions for Residential
Water Users

• David Rosenberg
• ECI 155
• Spring 2006

2
Install dual flush toilets

• Water use
• Solids 1.6 gallons per flush
• Liquids 0.8 gallons per flush
• Costs
• Flush mechanism 8 20
• Toilet gt 150

3
Install composting toilets

• Water use
• 0 gallons per flush
• Minor water use for cleaning
• Costs
• 2,000 to 16,000

4
Install incinerating toilets

• Water use
• 0 gallons per flush
• Costs
• 900 to 1,800
• Other factors
• No sewage
• Solid waste disposal?
• Vent off gas

5
Xeriscape / Water-wise gardening

• Use drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, native, and
  low-water-use plants
• Minimize turf area
• Increase natural paving (paths, stepping stones,
  mulches, compost, volcanic rock, etc.)

Clockwise, from upper left Boulder, CO
Berkeley, CA Boulder, CO, Massachusetts
6
Modify water use behaviors

• Detect fix leaks (toilets, hoses, etc.)
• Reduce shower time
• Turn off faucets while washing (plug kitchen sink
  to wash dishes)
• Reduce / alter irrigation time
• Sweep before hosing down
• Run dishwasher laundry machines with full loads
• Remove or minimum faucet flow with garbage
  disposals
• Cover swimming pools lower temperature when not
  in use
• And many, many more!