NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

July 9, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 234

Contact: Stewart Lovell, DNREC's Water Supply Section 302-739-9945; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, (302) 739-9902.

Heat waves are good reminders to conserve water
DNREC advocates wise water use to help the environment and save money year round

Although the ongoing high temperatures and lack of precipitation in parts of Delaware are unfortunately causing difficult conditions for our farming communities, the state’s ground-water levels and stream flows are fine. Still, the heat wave does serve as a reminder to conserve water during a period when keeping cool and hydrated is on everyone’s mind.

“It’s always wise to conserve water during periods of prolonged heat as well as all year long,” said Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara.  “We are not anticipating any problems with our public water supplies. There are water use practices that make good sense for the environment and your pocketbook, especially during hot summer months.”

O’Mara noted that all reservoirs on which northern Delaware relies upon for drinking water are full or near full and daily monitoring of water supply and demand conditions continues in accordance with the plans established by the Delaware Water Supply Coordinating Council.
Since the Council was established, 2 billion gallons of water have been created to protect New Castle County.

Precipitation levels throughout the state have been below normal for the past three months and some streams south of the C&D Canal were classified as below normal for the month of June. Streams in northern New Castle County, which provide drinking water, are considered normal.

The following tips are actions everyone can take every day to conserve one of our most precious resources, potable (suitable for drinking) water:

Outdoor Tips:

• Water during cool hours – morning is best to prevent fungus and mildew growth – to minimize evaporation and don’t water on windy days which also wastes water lost to evaporation.

• Don’t let the hose run while washing your car. A bucket of water and quick hose rinse will conserve many gallons of water.

• Collect rainwater from your downspouts to water your plants and garden.

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, patios and sidewalks.

• Apply mulch around plantings to retain moisture.

• Check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.

Indoor Tips:

• Fix leaky faucets and toilets immediately. This is the top water conservation tip.
 
• Keep drinking water in your refrigerator.

• Install water saving shower heads.

• Take shorter showers or take a bath.

• Install high efficiency, low-flow faucet aerators.

• Fill your dishwasher before use.

• Select the proper water level for laundry.

• Don't let water run down the drain while rinsing vegetables and dishes.

• Turn off the water while shaving, brushing teeth, etc.

• Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket.

• Check into a low-flow toilet.

For additional details, go to DNREC's Wise Water Tips.