Your Catawba - Use it Wisely
Water Conservation Challenge
The “Your Catawba - Use it Wisely” water conservation campaign includes a challenge, increase of public awareness, routine and unique conservation tips, and opportunities for citizens and businesses to share their water conservation tips with the community.
Fill out the form below and click on Submit!

If you have any questions regarding this program, contact Public Services at 323-7500 or
by e-mail at kjohnson@ci.hickory.nc.us.

NOTE: ONLY ENTER CHALLENGE INFORMATION FOR DATES THROUGH December 31, 2008
Both First and Last Name (required) Ex: John Doe     Catawba logo
Home Address:
City:

   

   
Number in Household:    
Gallons Used per Month:    
   
   
   
Report Your Activity Here:
When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing.  Yes
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full. Yes
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator. Yes
Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled. Yes
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk. Yes
Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. Yes
Designate one glass for your drinking water each day. Yes
Don’t use running water to thaw food. Yes
 Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Yes
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and/or shave. Yes
Make sure your toilet flapper doesn’t stick open after flushing. Yes
Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets. Yes
Cut back on rinsing dishes for dishwasher. Yes
Bathe your young children together. Yes
Drop that tissue in the trash instead of flushing it down the toilet. Yes
Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves. Yes
Cook food in as little water as possible. Yes
Turn the water off while you shampoo and condition your hair. Yes
Reuse your towels. Yes
   


Water Conservation Links:

Water Use It Wisely Site
EPA's Matching Fun Facts Game
Bert & Phil's Water Busters Game

Tips for Conservation in the Home:

  1. If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a water-efficient showerhead.
  2. Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants.
  3. When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments.
  4. Install low-volume toilets.
  5. Put food coloring your toilet tank.  If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak.
  6. Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees.
  7. When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
  8. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
  9. Avoid installing ornamental water features and fountains that spray water into the air.
  10. Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.
  11. Install an instant water heater on you kitchen sink so you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up.
  12. Make suggestions to your employer to save water (and dollars) at work.
  13. If your toilet was installed prior to 1980, place a toilet dam or bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water used for each flush.
  14. Choose new water-saving appliances.
  15. Select the proper size pans for cooking.
  16. If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink.  Drop them in a house plant instead.
  17. When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.