July 2019 was the hottest July on record in Massachusetts, with this past July (2020) falling just short of tying the record. With the number of days over 90° F projected to increase and anticipated changes in precipitation patterns, Concord’s water supply is becoming increasingly susceptible to drought.
This risk is especially relevant during the summer months when up to 25% of our daily water usage is attributed to outdoor watering. That can be 1 MILLION GALLONS EACH DAY during the peak demand period.
Saving water, especially during the summer, has so many benefits:
- Saving you money on your water bills
- Reducing the energy required to pump, treat, and distribute water
- Ensuring everyone in the community has access to water
- Protecting our natural resources
How you can help save water at home
Concord’s Water and Sewer Division closely monitors water system demand and conditions year-round to ensure that we all have a safe and adequate water supply. Every summer, the Division puts our Seasonal Water Demand Management Plan to use in an effort to effectively mitigate demands on the water system during the peak demand period. We can all do our part to help make Concord more resilient to a changing climate by conserving water in the summer and year-round.
Know your limits – Make sure you are following the seasonal water
demand management plan by limiting lawn watering to your designated watering day. A good rule of thumb is 1-inch per week is all an established lawn needs to stay healthy.
Make sure your irrigation system is efficient – Do you have an irrigation system? Is your system registered with the Town? You can make sure that your irrigation system is efficient by installing a smart WiFi controller and routinely checking your system for leaks.
Use rain barrels for outdoor watering – Rain barrels are a great way to tap into free irrigation for your lawn and garden. A half-inch of rainfall can fill a 50-gallon rain barrel! Rain barrels also benefit the community by helping to control flooding and runoff that pollutes our waterways by trapping the water before it can sweep over lawns, roads, and driveways. Learn more here.
Use less water indoors – Did you know that 7 out of 10 gallons of water used by residents in Concord are used inside the home? You can save hundreds of gallons every year by shortening your showers and installing low-flow faucets and shower heads in your home. Here are some tips to reduce water use at home:
- Take shorter showers. Set a timer, or make a playlist to help yourself keep track.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Plug the sink or use a wash basin if you hand-wash your dishes instead of running the water. When filling up a dishwasher, make sure it is fully loaded.
Install water conservation devices – Installing low flow faucets and aerators can reduce your water consumption. Look for the WaterSense label on faucets and aerators, which can be 30% more efficient than standard faucets. When it’s time to replace your appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, or toilets, consider water-saving options.
Stop the leaks – Did you know that an average household leaks nearly 10,000 gallons of water a year? Common leaks come from toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaky valves. Fixing leaks can save homeowners 10% on water bills. The EPA offers numerous strategies for identifying and addressing leaks in your home here.
More resources to help you save:
Concord is here to help with resources, tips, rebates, and home assessments.
- Check out Concord’s Sustainable Landscaping Handbook for a step-by-step guide to help you create, install, and care for your landscape in a way that conserves water, takes the changing climate into account, and promotes the health of native species
- Concord Public Works offers free water conservation devices to help you save water at home
- Learn how to tell if your toilet is leaky!
- Learn what kind of rain barrel is best for you!
- Check out some tips for planting a rain garden.
- Take advantage of free landscape templates for water-smart landscaping.
Learn more about smart water use is a critical part of protecting Concord’s natural resources on the Dashboard and steps Concord plans to take in the next five years in the Action Plan.