Aerators

An aerator is a simple device that mixes air with water from your faucet. The air cuts the flow so you use less water. It also keeps the water from splashing so much in the sink. You can buy aerators at most hardware or plumbing supply stores for a few dollars, but first check your faucet to be sure it has a screw thread on either the inside or outside of its mouth. If it doesn’t, there’s a device called a “universal faucet adapter” that you’ll need.

Showerheads

Water-saving showerheads cut the average flow from about 4.5 gallons per minute to as little as 1.25 gallons per minute. Any showerhead manufactured in the United States is now required by law to release no more than 3.2 gallons per minute. Water-saving showerheads cost about $10.

Water Conservation Tips

• Turn off the tap while shaving, washing your face or brushing your teeth.

• Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run for a cool glass of water.

• Use the refrigerator or a microwave instead of running water to thaw frozen foods.

• Consider an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so running water heats up quicker.

• Don’t run the hose while washing your car.  Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end.

• Run only full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher.

• Set lawn mower blades one notch higher.  Longer grass means less evaporation.

• Check toilet for leaks.  Put dye tablets or food coloring into the tank.  If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak that should be repaired.

• If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the shower head with a water-efficient model.

• When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.

• Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

• Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.

• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.

• Avoid over watering your lawn. A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.

• Try to do one thing each day that will result in saving water.

New Lawn Installation

Are you installing sod or planting seed this summer? If so, contact the Community Development Department for a Temporary Sprinkling permit. This no-fee permit will allow you to sprinkle on both odd and even days, 7am–11am and 7pm-11pm for a period of 28 days. By the time the permit expires and you're back to normal watering regulations, your new sod or seed will have had the needed time to germinate and root for a healthy lawn. Should the zone change from Green to Yellow during your 28 day permit, you may continue to sprinkle every day as allowed per the permit until it expires. Keep in mind that permits will not be issued during Yellow, Orange or Red zones so call us at (708) 479-3926 to verify the current sprinkling zone prior to installation of your lawn. Residents replacing/repairing lawns will be asked to provide documentation such as a contract from a landscaper or receipt for seed or sod when applying for a temporary sprinkling permit. Documentation will not be required for owners of new construction that have been issued a landscape permit.

Going on Vacation?

Should you leave on vacation and set your lawn sprinkling system for the Green Zone, have a neighbor or friend change the setting for you if the zone changes to Yellow, Orange  or Red. If conditions warrant a Yellow or Orange Zone or there is a system mechanical failure and the Red Zone Tier 1 or Tier 2 is instituted while you are on vacation, you risk being ticketed for a violation.