Increased Costs Inspire Water Conservation
by Kate Diffenderfer

The only source of drinking water, the primary source of irrigation water and the major source of freshwater to the coastal bays is groundwater. Despite our wishful thinking, our aquifers (permeable, underground rocks, soil, or gravel which holds freshwater) are not limitless.

After voluntary efforts to promote household water conservation and consumption proved fruitless, Worcester County Commissioners adopted a new water and sewer tax rate last year to further encourage water conservation and to hopefully diminish excessive water-user habits. This new adoption aims to charge chronic users, who used above the estimated average of 250 gpd per household, more per gallon.

Water conservation rates are necessary in order to preserve future groundwater supplies by reducing the amount of water used per household and to provide additional funding to expand existing water service facilities, if needed. These measures to insure that all citizens of Worcester County are continually served safe, contaminant-free water, is a responsible action to halt over-consumption trends noted in specific areas of the county.

It is understandable that homeowners are concerned about the increase in their water bill, but there are inexpensive measures that can be taken in order to reduce bills and the amount of water that is consumed. Constructing rain barrels, planting rain gardens, investing in retrofit programs, or purchasing low-flow plumbing fixtures, such as pressure reduction devices, faucet aerators, toilet displacement devices, low-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, and other plumbing modifications are easy ways to reduce water consumption and save money in the long run.

Rain barrels collect and store rainwater from your rooftop, and can be used for lawn and garden watering. They help lower water costs by saving an estimated 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months. The barrels are also inexpensive and easy to build and install.

Rain gardens use native vegetation, and soak up rainwater directed from your downspout. These gardens allow three times more water to infiltrate into the ground than a conventional lawn. This helps replenish the groundwater supply naturally and reduces the amount of pollution that reaches the bays through stormwater runoff. Rain gardens require less watering and fertilizer than conventional lawns and can provide habitat for numerous wildlife species.

Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures can also drastically reduce the amount of money spent on water bills. Ask your local hardware stores about these water-saving devices. Adjusting your household water pressure to 30 psi will also help significantly. Even following commonsense approaches such as not letting the tap water run while brushing teeth, washing dishes, or shaving can reduce your water bill.