Conserving water is always important, but OUC is now urging residents to be even more conservation minded because of a shortage of a component we use in the water treatment process. We use liquid oxygen to remove the discoloration and foul odor in the groundwater we treat, but regional health systems need it, too, for the respiratory treatment of COVID-19 patients.
If customers use less water, OUC needs less liquid oxygen to treat it.
Here are some easy-to-use tips for reducing water use during this critical time:
- Cut back on lawn irrigation and let summer showers keep grass green.
- Delay washing vehicles and pressure washing.
- Shut off faucet while brushing teeth or shaving.
- Shut off shower while applying soap and shampoo, then rinse.
- Use as little water as possible to wash and rinse in a bathtub.
- Install flow restrictors on faucets and showerheads.
- Run dishwasher and clothes washer with full loads.
- If you wash dishes by hand, fill the sink with water and turn off the faucet.
- If you have a pool and it’s not in use, cover it to reduce evaporation.
- Recycle dog dish water and aquarium water to irrigate plants.
- Use garbage disposal sparingly.
Leak detection is critical to water conservation. A leaking toilet can waste 90,000 gallons of water in a month, leaving the homeowner with a substantial water bill. Click here to learn how to check for leaks.
OUC’s Efficiency Delivered program offers free conservation audits that review homeowners energy and water usage and offer recommendations for improving efficiency. Additionally, Efficiency Delivered covers 85% of the cost of eligible upgrades for households with annual incomes under $40,000. Households with incomes below $60,000 a year are eligible for 50% cost sharing, while households above $60,000 annually can take advantage of OUC’s myriad rebate offerings. Click here to fill out a request for an audit.
