February is the perfect time to show some love – not just to those around you, but also to the water that sustains our homes and region.
This month, CVWD is highlighting ways residents can protect and preserve water in the Coachella Valley:
- Practice water conservation. For indoor efforts, turn off the tap when water isn’t needed, shorten your shower time, and replace fixtures and appliances with water- efficient models. For outdoor efforts, attach shut-off nozzles to hoses, use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks, adjust sprinklers to avoid over-spray, and incorporate desert-friendly landscaping into your yard to reduce your water usage.
- Check for leaks inside and outside of your home to prevent water waste. Leaks can wreak havoc if left untreated–even the tiniest drips can waste thousands of gallons annually.
- Never pour FOG (fats, oils, and grease) into the garbage disposal. While hot FOG flows easily, it solidifies as it cools, which can clog your pipes. This can lead to blockages, backups, and sewer overflows on your property. Beyond damaging your plumbing, FOG can also pollute local water sources.
- Think before you flush. The only things that should go down the toilet drain are toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing “flushable” wipes, baby wipes, cleaning wipes, paper towels, tissue paper, medications, or other trash.
- Limit your use of pesticides and fertilizers. Many lawn and garden treatments contain harmful chemicals that can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, contributing to water pollution.
By doing your part to protect our most precious resource, you can contribute to a healthier water system and a more sustainable community for all.
To learn more about ways to protect and preserve water, visit cvwd.org.
