Conservation
Water Consumption Chart
| Everyday Uses | Normal Activity | Conservation Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Showering | Running shower 5 minutes: 20 gallons | Wet down, soap up, rinse; 8 gallons |
| Brushing Teeth | Running tap 5 minutes: 10 gallons | Wet brush, rinse: 1/2 gallon |
| Tub Bath | Full tub: 36 gallons | Wet down, wash, rinse: 7 to 9 gallons, 1/3 full |
| Shaving | Running tap 5 minutes: 10 gallons | Fill basin: 1 gallon |
| Cooking | Full day: 3 to 5 gallons | Same |
| Washing Dishes | Running tap while washing: 35 gallons | Washing dishes and rinse in the sink: 5 gallons |
| Automatic Dishwasher | Full cycle: 15 to 30 gallons | Short cycle: 5 gallons |
| Washing Hands | Running tap: 2 gallons | Fill basin: 1 gallon |
| Flushing Toilet | Each time 5 to 7 gallons | Water displacement containers: 4 to 6 gallons each time |
| Washing Machine | Full cycle, top water level: 40 to 60 gallons | Short cycle, medium water level: 27 gallons |
| Landscape Watering | Average hose & pressure: 10 gallons min. | Conservative watering can reduce usage significantly |
Water from our aquifer is a finite resource and conservation benefits all who depend on it. Here are things that may help:
On the Inside:
- Metered homes are better able to monitor water usage and creates an opportunity to decrease water bills. Contact customer service for more information.
- Fix leaky faucets - a single drop per second wastes 2,400 gallons per year.
- Take shorter showers.
- Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors.
- Turn off water after you wet your toothbrush.
- Check your toilet for leaks.
- Put a plastic bottle or a plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in your toilet tank. Displacing water in this manner allows you to use less water with each flush.
- Do not use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
On the Outside:
- Water your lawn only when it needs it. Missoula Water recommends watering during the cool parts of the day, the schedule is as follows - May 1st to September 30th from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Deep-soak your lawn.
- Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings
- Landscape with plants adapted to the climate - they use less water and they're easier to grow.
- Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants.
- Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps.
- Don't run the hose while washing your car.
- Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering the sidewalk and the street.