Why conserve water:

• Fresh water is a precious and scarce commodity in the world.
• Develop the habit of rationing water, because sustainable lifestyle requires it.
• Reduce carbon emissions by using less hot water.
• Lower energy use at water facilities plants.
• Protect the local watershed from polluted runoff.
• Save money for other ministries.

Efficiency, Conservation, and Protection.

• Efficiency refers to products put in place to save energy and be Earth-friendly.
• Conservation refers to human actions to save energy and be Earth-friendly.
• Protection refers to human actions to protect Earth from degrading products and processes.

Efficiency actions:

• Purchase Energy Star appliances.  www.energystar.gov.
• Put low flow aerators on faucets in kitchen, bathrooms, and wash stations.
• Install low-flush toilets. Or use toilet balloons in older toilets to reduce water use.
• Check faucets (+outside) and toilets regularly for leaks and runs. Repair immediately.
• Install push-button faucets in bathrooms.
• Set hot water temperature at moderate rate (around 140 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Install on-demand water heating system.
• Put blanket (at least 3 inches) around standard water heater.

Conservation actions:

• Do not let faucet run.
• Run dish washer only when full. Wash small loads by hand.
• Rinse dishes for the dishwasher in a bowl rather than under running water.
• Store drinking water in refrigerator. Do not let the faucet run until the water is cool.
• Avoid bottled water. Use safe water bottle to be refilled with tap water.
• “Bring your own” safe reusable water bottle to be filled for use outside the home.
• Avoid use of disposal. It uses a lot of water. Compost food scraps.
• Wash cars by hand (sponge and bucket) rather than in carwashes.

Water Outside:

• Use rain barrels to collect rain to water plants.
• Native grasses require less watering. Avoid watering lawn at all.
• Set the mower high to preserve moisture in the soil.
• Mow less often and leave the grass clippings on the grass as compost.
• Plant trees to provide shade that preserves moisture in the soil.
• Plant drought resistant shrubs and flowers.
• Use watering can rather than hose for plants and flowers. Avoid sprinklers.
• If you water at all, do so early in the morning or in the evenings.
• Put bird baths to provide water for birds, when and where it is safe for standing water.

Protect the Environment:

• Do not put toxic items down the drain: cleansers, bleach, detergents, and so on.
• Do not put grease, fat, or cooking oil down the drain.
• Make grease balls with nuts and raisin to hang for birds to feed on.
• Avoid use of pesticides or herbicides or weed killers. These will run off into the water shed and pollute local waterways.
• Plant a rain garden containing special plants with deep roots that absorb water so it does not runoff from roofs into the watershed or water ways.

Educational actions:

• Get the family on board.
• Put up reminder signs: Attend to water leaks. Do not let faucet run. Run dishwasher when full.

Advocacy and Public Witness:

• Restore degraded water habitats such as local streams and lakes.
• Promote the preservation of wetlands.
• Learn about water problems around the globe.
• Advocate for policies and laws to slow global warming.
• Oppose practices of extraction for oil, gas, or minerals that threaten water resources.