Wisconsin is blessed with an abundant water resource.  It is one of our many natural resources that the state works to protect.  However, pockets of the state have experienced dropping groundwater levels and water conservation policy efforts are underway to sustain the state’s valuable water assets. 

Water conservation is a key component of overall water resources planning.  It does not mean restricting customer use in response to a drought.  It means using water more efficiently by reducing consumption, preventing loss and recycling.

There are many reasons to conserve water.  These include cost savings on water bills, environmental benefits, energy savings and improved supply reliability.  Everyone can do their part to conserve water.  Below are several simple steps for residents and businesses, local officials and developers to take to help conserve water in Wisconsin.

At Home or at Work
Water consumption doubles every 20 years.  To ensure water resources are available for generations to come, consumers can do their part to help by adopting a few simple changes at home and at the office.  Conserving water not only helps the environment, it also helps reduce costs on water and energy bills.

• Install faucet aerators in all sinks.
• Fix or replace faucet and toilet leaks.
• Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or washing the dishes.
• Don’t wait for water to run cold.  Instead, store water in the refrigerator.
• Take showers instead of baths and take shorter showers.
• Install water-saving showerheads.
• Use low-flow toilets and urinals or displace water in tanks with plastic jugs filled with water or pebbles.
• After flushing the toilet, make sure the valve has closed and water is not running.
• Only use washing machines and dishwashers when there is a full load.
• Scrape plates clean instead of rinsing.
• Use low-volume washing machines.
• Wrap water heaters with insulation.
• Limit watering outdoor plants and landscaping.
• Water outdoor plants and landscaping in the evening.
• Use rain barrels to collect rainwater and use for plants and landscaping.
• Incorporate native plants into landscaping. They adapt better to the climate.
• Landscape with no or low water consuming plants.
• Use mulch around plants and trees to reduce water evaporation.

For more information about water conservation, please visit the following websites.

Communities, Government and Utilities
Community leaders and local officials have the opportunity to be leaders in conserving water and ensuring resources are available for residents now and in the future.  Some basic conservation practices that communities, local governments and/or water utilities can adopt include:

• Although public water utilities are required to meter all water sales, not all consumers are serviced by these utilities.  If this is the case, users should still install and use water meters for all homes, businesses and new construction.
• Test water meters regularly and check for accuracy.
• Locate and fix leaks in water infrastructure.
• Provide incentives for:
• Low-flow toilets
• Efficient washing machines
• Efficient dishwashers
• Rain barrels
• Multi-setting sprinkler timers
• Educate customers on where they can get low-interest financing to help purchase conservation equipment.
• Require or encourage retrofitting of toilets and plumbing when building or selling a home.
• Offer home and business water audits for free or at a low cost.
• Educate customers on water conservation and your community’s dedication to conservation efforts.
• Use pricing mechanisms that encourage water conservation.

Developers
Water resources can be significantly affected by development, whether it is new housing, new roads and stormwater systems or landscaping design.  Developers and builders can adopt low impact practices to reduce runoff, sustain groundwater and conserve water.  This includes disconnecting downspouts so water soaks into the ground rather than running into the stormwater drains, using rain barrels to collect rainwater for landscaping and building trenches or rain gardens. 

There are several resources for developers who want to lead by example and adopt some of these water conservation efforts.  More information can be found at:

• American Rivers - Great Lakes Resource Guide for Natural Stormwater Management
  
• Conservation Design Forum Low Impact Development Resources
  
• EPA - Low Impact Design Strategies
  

PSC Partners with EPA to Promote Water Conservation
Wisconsin consumers can reduce their water bills by 10 percent by simply installing more efficient hardware in their homes and businesses. The PSC has partnered with EPA’s WaterSense program, a voluntary public-private partnership, to assist consumers with identifying water-saving products.  The WaterSense label makes it easy for consumers to recognize products and services that can save water without sacrificing performance or quality.  WaterSense labeled products and services are independently tested and include high-efficiency toilets, bathroom sink faucets, and landscape irrigation services.

The PSC not only encourages consumers to use WaterSense products, but also encourages Wisconsin water utilities to join the WaterSense partnership. As a partner, utilities will be part of a consistent, nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of water efficiency. EPA has developed consistent outreach and education materials that can be used by utility partners as part of their conservation programs. Utility partners also benefit by demonstrating their commitment to water efficiency and by providing opportunities for cost savings to their customers.  For more information, please visit  EPA’s WaterSense web site or refer to the PSC’s press release about this partnership.

PSC Water Currents newsletter
The PSC’s Water Currents newsletter is an easy way to keep up with the latest news and events related to water conservation and efficiency in Wisconsin. This electronic newsletter is intended for water utility staff, state and local government officials, consultants, and anyone else interested in water conservation and efficiency.

For more information about water conservation, please visit the following websites:

• Governor Doyle’s Conserve Wisconsin Initiative – Water Conservation
  
• American Water Works Association Conservation
  
• Handbook of Water Use and Conservation
  
• Dane County's Rain Barrel Project
• Milwaukee's Rain Barrel Project
• Saving Water Partnership
• Landscaping in great lakes
• Water – Use it Wisely
  
• EPA – Water Sense
  
• H2O Use