Water Conservation

Orange County is currently in the midst of a prolonged drought, classified as an "exceptional drought" by the North Carolina Drought Monitor. New information will be forthcoming as this web page is updated from 2005. In the meantime, here are some basic tips for water conservation that citizens may wish to consider.

  1. Kitchen
  2. Bathroom
  3. Outdoors

Tips

  • Eliminate leaks by replacing old gaskets. A dripping faucet can waste 3,600 gallons a year.
  • Install faucet aerators
  • Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge, instead of running water until it is cold.
  • Don't leave the water running while rinsing dishes.
  • Don't use a garbage disposal. Certain food scraps can be composted or wrapped in newspaper and placed in the garbage.
  • Only use dishwasher with full loads, and use the ‘water-saver' setting if available.
  • Don't rinse dirty dishes before loading into dishwasher; scrape clean and let the machine do the rest.
  • Don't thaw frozen food under running water.
  • During water restrictions use paper plates, and single-service drinking and eating utensils.
  • Use bagged ice
  • Use ready-to-serve drinks and food items (boxed juices, fruit cups, etc.).