1. Stop Leaks. Check appliances and outdoor systems such as sprinklers for leaks. Get to know your meter - it provides important information about consumption and leaks. Common leaks waste 10% of the water used in many homes.
2. Replace old toilets. Toilet-flushing is the top water user in the home. If you haven't replaced your toilets in 10 yeras or more, you'll benefit from the new high-efficiency models.
3. Buy an efficient clothes washer. Washers are the second-largest water users in the home. New "Energy Star" certified models may use 50% less wawter and energy per load.
4. Check out these two websites for even more suggestions: www.h2house.org, and www.parade.com.

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This chart illustrates the effect both weather and lawn irrigation have on water requirements. October through May indicate months of ‘normal’ household water usage and consumption… during the summer months usage can double, primarily due to lawn irrigation.
In addition, variations in the temperature and rainfall can significantly affect the volume of water required by the District consumers. The hot, dry summer of 2005 caused the District to pump 130 million more gallons of water than was required in 2006.
Maximum pumpage required on any given day also varies dramatically from year to year. For example:
June 17, 2004 = 6,784,808 gallons
August 5, 2005 = 9,118,800 gallons
August 21, 2006 = 7,405,000 gallons
The Port Washington Water District is dedicated to meeting the District’s requirements for quality water every day, all year long.

  To encourage conservation of our unique water source, the Port Washington Water District has implemented procedures regarding the installation of underground irrigation systems.
  While underground irrigation systems provide convenience in maintaining landscaping, not all systems are designed or installed for maximum efficiency. We have all seen driveways and sidewalks getting a good soaking along with the flowers, shrubs and lawns. New systems using updated technology are often 50% more efficient than traditional systems.
  To insure that residents are installing the most efficient and water conserving underground systems, the District is working with an independent consulting firm to review all applications from installers before construction begins. Keesen Water Management reviews each application to be certain it meets the DistrictÕs Rules and Regulations for Operations of Underground Irrigation Systems, as well as providing more efficient alternatives to be considered.
  This service costs $100 per review and is included in the application fees paid by the installing firm. Thus, this additional conservation program will not impact the overall District Budget.
  According to Tal Vacchio, PWWD Superintendent "This input and protection has had a positive long-term impact on our efforts towards a more efficient usage of our water resources and minimize our customers year to year irrigation costs".

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  Your PWWD has adopted year-round water use regulations to insure an adequate supply of quality water for all residents of the District. As summer approaches, this community conservation program is particularly relevant.
  Watering of lawns, shrubs, trees, plants, and vegetation of any type is limited to a maximum of two hours a day on alternate days. As the chart indicates, these days are determined by your street address: even numbered homes water on even numbered days, odd numbered homes water on odd numbered days.
  This schedule provides more than adequate irrigation...remember, a lawn requires just one inch of rain per week for adequate maintenance.
  Flushing and/or spraying public streets, sidewalks, or private driveways for any purpose is prohibited.

Swimming Pool Rules
  Before you contract for an in-ground pool or invest in an above-ground pool, check with your Water District.
  All pools require special permits and safety installations. All pools must be equipped with a recirculation and filtering system and a double check valve assembly to be installed at the meter on the incoming water service.
  The District office will be happy to provide you with a complete copy of the rules of installation and operation and the necessary applications.

Check Before Installing Automatic Underground Systems
  Your Water District has specific rules and regulations pertaining to the installation and usage of automatic underground irrigation systems. These rules are intended to permit the convenience of automatic irrigation while continuing the overall goal of conserving water resources.
  Anyone wishing to have an underground spinkler system installed must first obtain permission from the Port Washington Water District.
  Contractors and interested consumers should contact the District office at 767-0171 for an application for the installation of any new irrigation system. As a matter of interest, a backflow prevention device is required on all automatic underground systems.

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS....Watering Rules Apply
  Each spring, one of our important projects is to reset automatic sprinkler systems. The Port Washington Water District reminds everyone that the watering rules listed above apply to these systems. Be certain the time clock on your system is set properly... and the back-flow has been installed and certified. Back flow certification is required each year.

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  Xeriscape refers to “water conservation through creative landscaping”. Xeriscape Gardening is water-wise gardening; creating & maintaining a garden that is practical for its climate. Xeriscape Gardening is about adapting your own gardening methods to the environment rather than watering your garden because the plants require amounts of water not naturally provided. Xeriscape is based on The Seven Principles Of Xeriscape Gardening created by Denver Water in 1982.
  While Xeriscape was created in Colorado, it’s important to realize that Xeriscape gardening is practiced everywhere water conservation is important. Many people are surprised to learn that it's a prominent gardening method in states associated with plentiful water such as Florida or Hawaii.
  Xeriscape comes from the Greek word “Xeros” meaning “dry.” A good Xeriscape design will not only enhance your surroundings but it is beautiful, functional and uses water wisely. Yes, a Xeriscape garden can even be lush without requiring excessive water!
  Xeriscape plants can thrive with little or no supplemental watering once they are established in a garden. Some plants are drought tolerant but many simply require substantially less water than non-Xeriscape species. Xeriscape is a well-planned & systematic approach to saving water in landscaped areas.
  Some people call it Water-Wise gardening, others prefer the “tongue-in-cheek” term of X-Rated Gardening, whatever name you use, remember, it's all Xeriscape Gardening and it is smart gardening.
  Following is a list of shrubs, plants, and flowers that are readily available in our area and well suited to our climate. The list was provided by Cornell Extension Service of Nassau County and Hicks Nursery.
Trees: Hedge Maple, American Holly.
Shrubs: Glossy Abelia, Butterfly Bush, Smoke Tree, Leyland Cypress, Rose-of- Sharon, Shrubby St. John's-Wort, Winterberry, Hollywood Juniper, Siberian Cypress, Mugo Pine, Shrubby Cinquefoil.
Perennials: Yarrow, Hyssop, Drumstick Chives, Golden Marguerite, Wormwood, Butterfly Weed, New England Aster, Smooth Aster, False Indigo Feather Reed Grass, Persian Cornflower Plumbago, Threadleaf Coreopsis, Dwarf Baby’s-Breath, Daylily, Candytuft, Lavender, Statice, Sea Lavender, Lily-Turf, Japanese Silver Grass, Prickly Pear, Fountain Grass, Russian Sage, Coneflower, Meadow Sage, Golden-Rod, Wooly Lamb’s-Ears, Speedwell, Bird’s-Foot Violet.

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  Whether you're selecting a lawn care company or doing it yourself, there is a growing list of reasons to choose organic methods.
  A recent report of water usage on the Port Washington Peninsula illustrates the sharp increase in water demand during summer months. This high level of usage actually puts our water district over the cap recommended by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Every citizen can respond to this overusage by following the tips below for organic lawn care and, if applicable, keeping irrigation systems in good working order.
  Organically maintained lawns require very little water, even during periods of drought. By cutting grass high, (at least 3 inches) and leaving the clippings on the lawn, you will conserve moisture and reduce the need for frequent fertilization. In addition, organic maintenance encourages good soil health. Frequent chemical applications deplete the soil of important organisms and organic matter which in turn make lawns more vulnerable to drought and 'browning out'.
  Understanding proper watering techniques will also help conserve water this summer. Frequent short waterings encourage shallow root growth that can dry out quickly in hot weather. Watering at night is not recommended as lawns that remain damp encourage fungus growth. Also avoid watering in the middle of a hot, sunny day when evaporation rates are highest. Nassau County allows watering on odd or even days depending on the street number of your house, but prohibits any watering between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. So, to do what is best for your lawn and at the same time be in compliance with local restrictions, water once a week for 3-4 hours early in the morning, if there has not been any rain.
  Pesticides and fertilizers applied to our lawns do not simply 'go away' after they are applied. They run off into ponds and streams and storm sewers, which feed into Manhasset Bay and Hempstead Harbor and filter down into our drinking water aquifers. Many of the chemicals used for lawn treatments are toxic to fish and other organisms and can disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
  To protect our precious water supply and keep our environment healthy for all living things, organic lawn maintenance and water conservation makes good sense for everyone.
  For more information about organic lawn care, see www.grassrootsinfo.org.

      Patti Wood
      Executive Director Grassroots
      Environmental Education

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Remember, Fire Hydrants Save Lives, Summer & Winter
  Do not forget to keep fire hydrants clear of plants and shrubbery during summer months, and free from snow and ice all winter long. A blocked hydrant can cost firefighters precious time in an emergency.
  If you see a hydrant open or leaking please report it immediately to the District office at 516-767-0171.
  Remember NYS Vehicle Traffic Law requires no parking within 15 foot of either side of a fire hydrant.

  Have you noticed the flags installed on each fire hydrant? These are designed to assist fire fighters in locating hydrants during the winter when snowfall and plowing tend to cover the hydrants.

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  Responding to the concerns citizens have expressed regarding possible lead content generated within residences, your PWWD is offering FREE LEAD TESTING for residents of the District.
  Simply call the District Office at 516-767-0171 and ask for an appointment during normal working hours.
  In addition the District office has a supply of water saver kits. These kits easily install in showers, toilet tanks, etc. and significantly reduce the water used without inconvenience.
  The FREE WATER SAVER KITS can be picked up at the District offices on 38 Sandy Hollow Road during regular business hours.

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