Save Water To Move Weston Ahead

Press release from the Town of Weston:

August 11, 2020

Did you know that Weston has the highest water use rate per person of any town in Massachusetts? According to the Department of Environmental Protection, Weston residents use an average of 100 gallons of water per day. Water usage changes by season with huge spikes in the summer, suggesting that much of the Town’s water usage can be attributed to watering lawns and landscapes.

Weston Ahead, the Town’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan will provide actionable steps for the Town and residents to create a more sustainable future. Because 90% of the Town’s water is consumed by the residential sector, residents can play a large role in moving Weston Ahead by reducing water use.

In celebration of world water week, here are 5 steps you can take to reduce your indoor and outdoor water use.

• Choose high-efficiency products and appliances. WaterSense products have been certified as especially efficient, helping you save water and money at home.
• Limit watering. If you have to water your lawn, avoid watering between 9 am and 5 pm to limit evaporation loss and cut watering to once a week at most. Consider installing a “smart” irrigation system that takes weather conditions into account.
• Use smart landscaping techniques to reduce water needs:
• Maintain healthy soils by leaving grass clipping after cutting
• Raise the height of your lawn mower blade (longer grass encourages deeper root systems that require less water)
• Choose native plants that require less water
• Minimize lawn area
• Change basic habits around the house:
• Take shorter showers (5 minutes or less)
• Never let the water run while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes
• Only run the washing machine and dish washer when you have a full load
• Wash your car with a bucket and sponge instead of the hose
• Use a rain barrel to capture rainwater for watering your landscape

There is no end to ways you can save water! Find more tips on the WaterSense website or Weston’s Water Division page.

Visit WestonAhead.org for more details about the Town’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan.

WestonAhead.org

This press release was produced by the Town of Weston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.