As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve had an unusually dry spring and early summer this year. Based on current conditions and modeling, we anticipate Seattle’s regional water system will have sufficient water supply for people and fish this summer—and SPU customers aren’t included in the recent state-wide drought advisory.
This is great news! But as always, we continue to ask customers to use water wisely. Each gallon we save helps keep water in our rivers and lakes to sustain salmon and wildlife. Even seemingly small daily actions add up to make a big impact.
SPU is a member of the Saving Water Partnership, an organization comprised of 19 water utilities that share a common water source. Read on for tips, tools, and rebates available to help our customers start saving today.
Everyday actions save water
- If you have a dishwasher, use it! Washing by hand typically uses more water.
- Shorten your shower. Save 2 gallons for every minute you shave off your shower.
- Run full loads. Wait to run your washing machine or dishwasher until it’s full.
- Use a broom. Sweep to clean patios and sidewalks instead of using a hose or power washer.
- Look at every water bill. Knowing how much you use will help you spot leaks quickly.
Upgrade fixtures and appliances
- Replace toilets more than 20 years old, rebate available.
- If you have an automatic sprinkler system switch to a smart timer, rebate available.
- If you are thinking about replacing a showerhead or kitchen faucet—do it!
- Replace dishwashers and washing machines older than 15 years.
Find the most efficient appliance options. WaterSense and EnergyStar will point you to models that save water and perform well.
Get leaks and running toilets fixed right away
- Running toilets are the top source of leaks. If your toilet makes noise between flushes or if you have to jiggle the handle, you have a leak.
- Dripping faucets and showerheads add up. Just one drop every 2 seconds wastes more than 1,000 gallons per year.
- Find hidden leaks using your water meter. A running toilet can use as much water as taking 15 showers a day!
Healthy plants need less water
- Build better soil with compost and mulch. Add compost in the spring or fall and cover bare soil with 3 inches of mulch.
- Right plant, right place. Choose plants that are well suited to the Pacific Northwest climate and need less water.
- Let the top few inches of soil dry before watering again. Doing so prevents disease and is good for soil life.
Save in the summer with smart watering
- Water outdoors in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
- Let your lawn go golden and dormant — water once a month, and it’ll bounce back in the fall.
- Plant perennials in the fall and let nature water your plants all winter long.