Water Conservation

Want to Conserve Water? Want to Save Money? Ask for a FREE Shower Head Flow Restrictor! The shower head flow restrictors are available for pick up at Customer Service at City Hall.

We should all try to conserve water, and showers are one of the largest water-users in a typical household. Take one of these easy-to-install plastic flow restrictors and reduce your water consumption dramatically!
And they are FREE!

In the Kitchen

  • Start a compost pile. This will reduce the use of a sink disposal system which uses a lot of water to operate.
  • Thaw frozen meat and other food in the refrigerator overnight, rather than running water to thaw them out.
  • When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow stream of water. Use the dirty water to run you sink disposal if necessary.
  • Fully load your dishwasher, which use the same amount of water no matter how much is in them.
  • Buy dishwashers with water and energy saving options.

In the Bathroom

  • Check toilets for leaks by adding food color to the tank. If there's a leak, color will appear within 30 minutes. Consider purchasing LowFlow toilets that can reduce use by 20%.
  • Avoid flushing unnecessecarily. Dispose of items, such as tissues or insects, in the trash rather than the toilet.
  • Don't let the water run while shaving, washing your face, or brushing your teeth.
  • Shorten your showers. Even a 1-2 minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

Around the House

  • Install a hot water recirculation device. This could save more than 16,000 gallons per year, an average savings of $50 a year on your water bill, and $40 a year on your energy bill.
  • Buy water-saving washers, and be sure to adjust to the size of the clothes load.
  • Don't send used water or fish tank water down the drain. Use it for cleaning or watering plants.
  • Repair leaky faucets - which could save 2,700 gallons a year.
  • Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water.

Outdoor Water Use

  • Avoid overfertilizing your lawn, which increases the need for water and is a source of water pollution.
  • Plant drought-resistant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Check with your local nursery for advice.
  • Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly. Replace or add washers if you find leaks.

At Work and Around Town

  • Encourage your employer to promote water conservation at the workplace.
  • Promote water conservation in community newsletters, bulletin boards, and by example.
  • Report significant water losses to the property owner, local authorities or to the water management district.
  • Encourage your school system to promote a water conservation ethic among students and employees.

If you have any questions, please contact the Toccoa Water Department at 706-282-3257 . Additional tips are also available at Customer Service in City Hall.

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