Water Conservation

Water conservation measures are an important first step in protecting our water supply. The City of Batavia has water conservation regulations for lawn sprinkling in order to ensure that there is a continuous adequate water supply for drinking, bathing and fire protection. See the Water Conservation Regulations page.

Conservation Tips

Indoors

  • Fix leaking faucets, pipes, toilets, etc.
  • Replace old fixtures; install water-saving devices in faucets, toilets, and appliances
  • Wash only full loads of laundry
  • Do not use the toilet for trash disposal
  • Take shorter showers
  • Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth
  • Run the dishwasher only when full

Outdoors

  • Water the lawn and garden during the coolest part of the day; following the water conservation regulations
  • Position sprinklers so all the water lands on the lawn and not the pavement
  • Use mulch around plants and shrubs
  • Use a rain barrel
  • Use a bucket when washing a vehicle
  • Repair leaks in faucets and hoses
  • Use water-saving nozzles

Did You Know?

  • The average toilet uses 5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. A leaking toilet can waste up to 100 gallons per day.
  • A shower can use 25 to 50 gallons.
  • Cutting 1 minute off your shower time can save 700 gallons of water per month.
  • The average bath takes about 50 to 70 gallons of water.
  • Just washing your hands can use up to 3 gallons of water.
  • Letting the water run while you brush your teeth can waste 3 gallons of water.
  • A leaky or drippy faucet can waste as much as 30 to 50 gallons a day.
  • Automatic dishwashers use about 20 gallons per load.
  • Washing 1 load of clothes uses about 45 gallons of water.
  • Outdoor spigots can pump out 5 to 10 gallons per minute.
  • The average individual uses about 125 gallons of water per day.
  • An average residence uses 107,000 gallons of water per year.
  • About 340 billion gallons of water are used every day in the United States. This includes water used in irrigation, industry, fire fighting and street cleaning.
  • 80% of the earth's surface is water
  • 97% of the earth's water is seawater.
  • 2% of the earth's water supply is locked in icecaps and glaciers.
  • 1% of the earth's water is available for drinking.