Though it doesn’t always feel like it during the cold, snowy winters, Colorado’s climate is a relatively dry one, with limited water resources. This Groundwater Awareness Week (March 10-16, 2019), Jefferson County Public Health wants to remind county residents that our water is precious, finite and worth protecting.

Whether you use public or private water, though, you can help protect Jefferson County and Colorado’s limited water supply by pledging to "Do More with Less!" this Spring and Summer in Jeffco.

Here are some ways YOU can conserve water:

In the house:

• Most of us have heard to turn off the tap while we brush our teeth, but have you thought about turning off the tap while you wash dishes? Scrape dirty dishes before stopping at the sink. If you can skip the rinse before the dishwasher, do it, and in between dishes, turn off the water. Want to save big? Do the dishes BY HAND using just a sink or wash basin with some soapy water.
• Is your toilet running? Better go catch it...at least maybe catch a leak before it wastes 200 gallons of water EACH DAY! Place a couple drops of food coloring in the tank, and if it shows up in the bowl without flushing (it may take a little time), you have a leak. Leaks can waste the equivalent of 50 flushes per day.
• Dripping faucet? It may not seem like much, but each year, household leaks waste 10,000 gallons of water, which is the equivalent of 270 loads of laundry. If you're feeling handy, grab a wrench and see what you can tighten up under the sink yourself. There's no shame in calling a plumber if you need help!
• Need something cool and refreshing on the warm days? Put a pitcher of water in the fridge instead of letting the tap run until the water is cold.
• Leave frozen meats in the refrigerator overnight to thaw instead of running under the tap.
• Try composting your food waste instead of running it through the garbage disposal. This saves water, protects your septic system AND is great for the environment (and your garden, if you have one)!
• When doing laundry, either wait until you can do a full load or make sure your machine is on a smaller load size selection.

Outside:

• We all know that watering our lawns can be a big use of water, but it's important to many of us and even required by some of our HOAs. To save water, try watering your lawn — or garden — first thing in the morning, when it's cool, so the water can't evaporate before it gets to the plants and so they aren't quite as thirsty!
• If you have a private well, check into the type of permit the State has issued for that well. Some permits prohibit the use of well water for any outdoor purpose.
• Speaking of lawns, if you're looking to redecorate outside, consider water-smart landscaping, like xeriscaping or non-plant decor.
• There's nothing quite like a sparkly clean car on a hot, sunny day, right? Well, put away the hose, and get out the sponge and bucket! Did you know a hose can waste 6 gallons of water per minute? The ol' sponge & bucket method is much more water-friendly, plus, you can make sure to get all the hard-to-reach spots.
• Do you have a pool? Even a kiddie pool? (LUCKY DUCKS — INVITE US OVER!) Cover it up while not in use to reduce evaporation.

Do you have other ideas for how to save water, or examples of how you've "Done More with Less?" Share them with us in the comments!

Questions, comments or concerns? Email us at public_health_info@jeffco.us.

Source for tips: EPA WaterSense