Resource Conservation
Water Use Reduction
The Baltimore City Bureau of Water and Wastewater operates and maintains three reservoirs and three water filtration plants to distribute an average of 265 million gallons of drinking water in Baltimore City and surrounding counties daily.
Not only does excessive water use deplete our freshwater supplies, it also requires significant amounts of energy to treat and deliver water and then to collect and treat wastewater. According to the EPA, letting a faucet run for five minutes requires as much energy as lighting a 60-watt bulb for 14 hours. Proper protection and wise use of our water resources, along with maintenance of the City’s water supply system, will help sustain this system so that Baltimore residents can continue to have clean, readily-available water. Here are three strategies that can help:
- Conduct public education program on reducing water consumption
- Study methods to fund the construction and maintenance of Baltimore’s water supply system
- Maintain a comprehensive water facilities master plan
Metrics
Partner Organizations:
What You Can Do:
- 1Look for and stop leaks around your home. Studies have shown homes can waste more than 10% due to leaking, which costs both you and the environment.
- 2Replace your old toilet, the largest water user inside your home. If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, then it is very likely that you do not have a water efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilet.
- 3Replace your clothes sasher, the second largest water user in your home. Energy Star™ rated washers that also have a Water Factor at or lower than 9.5, use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load.
- 4Plant the right plants with proper landscape design and irrigation. Whether you are putting in a new landscape or slowly changing the current landscaping at your home, select plants that are appropriate for your local climate conditions.