June 2012

USERS GUIDE

RepoRteR .com

r e n t o n

Conservation starts With Us!

STOP LEAKS

Little Leaks = Big Bills

www.rentonreporter.comJune 29, 2012[2] www.rentonreporter.com

A WORD fROm ThE cITy Of REnTOn

INSIDEIn January 2012, the City of Renton joined

the Saving Water Partnership, a group of 19 local utilities who work together to provide water conservation programs throughout the region. Conserving water is an integral part of our commitment to wise management of natural resources, and the City of Renton is proud to be a member of this partnership.

The Saving Water Partnership offers an array of opportunities including how to find and fix leaky toilets and faucets, and information on smart watering that will help keep your yard healthy and beautiful.

We hope that this special section helps you save money and our valuable resources. For more information about the Saving Water Partnership, rebates, tips and online resources please visit www.savingwater.org.

Why save water?Water conservation is important for

everyone. It is part of our values. Because our region receives more rain in the fall, winter and spring seasons, extra care needs to be taken in summer and early fall to ensure that there is an ample supply.

Saving Water Partnership water is drawn from the Cedar and Tolt River watersheds in the Cascade Mountains and provides much of the water for this region. Most

of Renton’s water comes from aquifers that underlie parts of downtown and the Maplewood Golf Course. All of these waters are ultimately interconnected. Each year, water from melting snow and rain is carefully managed so that wildlife and people have what they need.

By taking advantage of the many available resources in this section and online, you can preserve our natural resources. If you haven't done so already, have fun trying new ways to save water today!

Leaks/3Water smart/6Saving indoors/5Bathroom/4Kids page/7Saving FYI/8

On the coverThe Cedar RiverWatershedphoto courtesy of Saving Water Partnershp

Money Savings Tips at:Saving Water Partnership:

www.savingwater.org

City of Renton: www.rentonwa.gov

How to find and fix leaks around the homeLeaky toilets, indoor faucets, and outdoor faucets around your home could cost

you up to $200 a year on your utility bill, and waste up to 10,000 gallons of water. The following information will help you identify and locate water leaks in your home or business.

For step-by-step videos on how to find and fix the most common household leaks – toilets, indoor faucets and outdoor faucets – visit www.savingwater.org.

It’s only a small drip ... right?Slow drips of water can add up quickly. A sink that drips after it is turned off can

waste thousands of gallons of water a year. If the drip is hot water, you are paying for wasted energy too. Fix leaks as soon as you find them.

A 'running' toilet leakEven a small, silent leak can easily waste $50 per year in water and sewer costs.

Fortunately, most toilet leaks are relatively easy to fix. In a properly functioning toilet, no water should move from the tank to the bowl, unless the toilet is being flushed.

Checking for a leaky toilet:1. Remove the tank lid. (Don’t worry, this water is clean until it enters the

bowl.)

2. Add some food coloring or a dye strip to turn the water a different color. Put the tank lid back on.

3. After about 30 minutes, look in the bowl. If you see colored water, you have a leak. If the water is clear, water is not leaking from the tank to the bowl.

If you do have a leak, there are a number of possible causes. If you remove the tank lid and can easily identify the cause, correct the problem and try your leak test again. Consider “fixes” such as bending the float back to shape, or adjusting how the rubber flapper falls. In most cases, you will simply want to replace the toilet flapper (the rubber thing at the bottom of the tank that keeps water in the tank) and/or the filling mechanism. These are available at hardware stores and home centers for about $8 each.

Checking your meter for mysterious water leaks1. Locate the water meter. It should be near the street under a metal, plastic,

or concrete lid. The water meter is your indicator of water use. When water is not being used, nothing on the meter should be moving. Most meters also have a small “leak detector” arrow, which senses the lower volumes of water common with leaks.

2. Turn off every water-using item inside and outside the home or building.

3. Check the meter. Watch the meter for a minute or more. If the leak detector dial or arrow is moving, you have a leak. In some cases, it may move back and forth very slightly, as water pressure in the street fluctuates. If it

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STOP LEAKS

Little Leaks = Big Bills

June 29, 2012 [3] www.rentonreporter.comwww.rentonreporter.com

How to find and fix leaks around the homeLeaky toilets, indoor faucets, and outdoor faucets around your home could cost

you up to $200 a year on your utility bill, and waste up to 10,000 gallons of water. The following information will help you identify and locate water leaks in your home or business.

For step-by-step videos on how to find and fix the most common household leaks – toilets, indoor faucets and outdoor faucets – visit www.savingwater.org.

It’s only a small drip ... right?Slow drips of water can add up quickly. A sink that drips after it is turned off can

waste thousands of gallons of water a year. If the drip is hot water, you are paying for wasted energy too. Fix leaks as soon as you find them.

A 'running' toilet leakEven a small, silent leak can easily waste $50 per year in water and sewer costs.

Fortunately, most toilet leaks are relatively easy to fix. In a properly functioning toilet, no water should move from the tank to the bowl, unless the toilet is being flushed.

Checking for a leaky toilet:1. Remove the tank lid. (Don’t worry, this water is clean until it enters the

bowl.)

2. Add some food coloring or a dye strip to turn the water a different color. Put the tank lid back on.

3. After about 30 minutes, look in the bowl. If you see colored water, you have a leak. If the water is clear, water is not leaking from the tank to the bowl.

If you do have a leak, there are a number of possible causes. If you remove the tank lid and can easily identify the cause, correct the problem and try your leak test again. Consider “fixes” such as bending the float back to shape, or adjusting how the rubber flapper falls. In most cases, you will simply want to replace the toilet flapper (the rubber thing at the bottom of the tank that keeps water in the tank) and/or the filling mechanism. These are available at hardware stores and home centers for about $8 each.

Checking your meter for mysterious water leaks1. Locate the water meter. It should be near the street under a metal, plastic,

or concrete lid. The water meter is your indicator of water use. When water is not being used, nothing on the meter should be moving. Most meters also have a small “leak detector” arrow, which senses the lower volumes of water common with leaks.

2. Turn off every water-using item inside and outside the home or building.

3. Check the meter. Watch the meter for a minute or more. If the leak detector dial or arrow is moving, you have a leak. In some cases, it may move back and forth very slightly, as water pressure in the street fluctuates. If it

moves forward continually, even at a slow rate, you have a leak. You may also want to check the main meter reading (numbers) at a set time, and then come back an hour later, after you know no water has been used. If it has a higher reading, there is a leak. If you suspect a toilet may be the culprit, turn the water off from the toilet shut-off valve (on the wall, under the toilet) and check the meter again.

4. If you still can’t locate the leak, find the shut-off valve for your home or building. It can be indoors or outdoors, but should be near the location where the water line enters the building. If you don’t know where the shut-off valve is, follow a straight line from the water meter to your building, and look for it. If you have a very large building, it is possible you have more than one main shut-off valve.

5. Confirm the location of the leak. If the main shut-off is closed and the meter has stopped, the leak is not between the meter and the building. If the meter still runs with the main water shut off, your leak is between the meter and the building. Since outdoor leaks are relatively rare, be sure to double-check that all indoor fixtures and outdoor hose and irrigation lines are off. Call a plumber to fix underground outdoor leaks.

For step-by-step videos on how to find and fix the most common household leaks – toilets, indoor faucets and outdoor faucets – visit www.savingwater.org.

The merchandise in this advertisement was selected far in advance of publication. Therefore, if an item is out of stock, and a replacement is unavailable, we will offer a comparable value to you. We appreciate your understanding and your business. Any typographic, photographic, or production errors are subject to correction in pricing and description. All models shown may not be on display in all stores but are available from our warehouse stock.

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HOME OF THE

DEAL

What's the biggest water user? For a typical family, more water is used to flush the

toilet than for any other indoor purpose! You can significantly reduce your water use and save money on utility bills by replacing toilets that were installed before 1994. Each toilet you replace will save you $50

to $200 and up to 10,500 gallons each year. Here are some tips to help you save water in the bathroom.

Water-saving steps • Install a high-efficiency WaterSense-labeled toilet. These use less than 1 1/2 gallons per flush, and are proven to perform well.• Install a water-saving showerhead that uses less than 2 1/2 gallons per minute. Learn more about efficient showerheads at www.epa.gov/watersense/products/showerheads.html • Replace older bathroom faucet nozzles with new ones that are rated at 1.0 gallons per minute (gpm), or less. Aerators cost only a few dollars.

• Turn the water off when shaving, brushing teeth, and using hair conditioner. • Shorten your shower by 1 minute. To really save, limit your shower time to 5 minutes or less. • Take showers instead of baths. A bathtub holds up to 50 gallons of water. A typical shower uses less than 20 gallons.

• Collect water that runs until the shower gets hot. Use it to water plants.

WaterSenseWaterSense is an EPA-sponsored partnership program that seeks to protect the

future of our nation’s water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices. WaterSense makes it easy to find and select water-efficient products that:

• Perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts.

• Are 20 percent more water efficient than average products in that category.

• Are effectively differentiated by the WaterSense label.

• Are independently certified.

Learn more at www.epa.gov/watersense

June 29, 2012[4] www.rentonreporter.com

InDOOR WATER

water saving tips in the bathroom

Design • Installation

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For all your gardening& Landscaping needs.

Rebates on toiletsFind application forms and details on www.savingwater.org

Residential customersCustomers can receive a $30 rebate for replacing an old toilet with a new WaterSense-labeled high-efficiency toilet.

Owners/managers of apartments and condosProperty owners and managers can receive a $100 per-toilet rebate for replacing old toilets with WaterSense-labeled toilets in apartments or condos with four or more units.

Industrial and commercial customersBusiness customers can receive $100 per-fixture rebates for replacing old toilets and urinals with efficient models.

Rebate of $100 per fixture for replacing older tank models with WaterSense labeled toilets.

www.rentonreporter.com

InDOOR WATER

water-saving throughout the home

425.228.0525 • 253.859.8589www.uyetalandscape.com

Since 1967#UYETAN101QH Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Landscaping• Site Planning• Design & Installation• Irrigation• Drainage• Low Voltage Lighting• Water Features• Synthetic Putting Greens• New Construction or Renovation• Installation of Rain Sensors

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Maintenance• General Clean-up & Weed Control• Weekly Mowing• Pruning• Bark/Mulch Installation• Fertilization• Thatching & Aerating• Pressure Washing• Irrigation Audits

Did You Know?• Mulches reduce evapotranspiration (keeps moisture in).• Mulches can be used as erosion control.• Compost is a recycled product.• Irrigation audits and rain sensors save water.

Planting Shade Trees• More shade less water.• Immediates the air temperature when placed strategically by building/homes.• Reduces interior temperatures, less fans/air conditioning.• Reduces CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) in the air .

UYETA LANDSCAPE& MAINTENANCE

Design • Installation • Restoration

KitchenRepairing leaks and taking other steps to save water in your kitchen will reduce

both your water use and utility bills. Here are some tips to help you save water in the kitchen.

Install efficient appliancesTo save water and energy, replace dishwashers with Energy Star® models. Unless

you are very frugal with water, dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand.

Learn about Energy Star appliances from the Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov.

Water-saving steps• Replace older faucet nozzles (aerators) with new ones that are rated at

2.0 gallons per minute (gpm), or less. Aerators cost only a few dollars.

• Turn the water off when washing dishes. If you have two sinks, try filling one with wash water and the other with rinse water. Otherwise, fill a separate basin with rinse water.

• Wash only full loads in your dishwasher. You'll save both water and energy.

• Reuse clean household water, such as water you run until it's hot, or water used to boil eggs or steam vegetables to water plants.

WaterSenseWaterSense is an EPA-sponsored partnership program that seeks to protect the

future of our nation’s water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices. WaterSense makes it easy to find and select water-efficient products that:

• Perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts.

• Are 20 percent more water efficient than average products in that category.

• Are effectively differentiated by the WaterSense label.

• Are independently certified.

Learn more at www.epa.gov/watersense

www.rentonreporter.com

InDOOR WATER

water saving tips in the bathroom

Alpine Nursery Inc.Family Owned & Operated

16023 SE 144th St. • Renton, WA 98059425-255-1598

Directions: Head east on NE 4th St, right on 160th Ave. Continue to 144th & turn left.

636923

For all your gardening& Landscaping needs.

Rebates on toiletsFind application forms and details on www.savingwater.org

Residential customersCustomers can receive a $30 rebate for replacing an old toilet with a new WaterSense-labeled high-efficiency toilet.

Owners/managers of apartments and condosProperty owners and managers can receive a $100 per-toilet rebate for replacing old toilets with WaterSense-labeled toilets in apartments or condos with four or more units.

Industrial and commercial customersBusiness customers can receive $100 per-fixture rebates for replacing old toilets and urinals with efficient models.

Rebate of $100 per fixture for replacing older tank models with WaterSense labeled toilets.

June 29, 2012 [5] www.rentonreporter.com

InDOOR WATER

water-saving throughout the home

425.228.0525 • 253.859.8589www.uyetalandscape.com

Since 1967#UYETAN101QH Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Landscaping• Site Planning• Design & Installation• Irrigation• Drainage• Low Voltage Lighting• Water Features• Synthetic Putting Greens• New Construction or Renovation• Installation of Rain Sensors

636971

Maintenance• General Clean-up & Weed Control• Weekly Mowing• Pruning• Bark/Mulch Installation• Fertilization• Thatching & Aerating• Pressure Washing• Irrigation Audits

Did You Know?• Mulches reduce evapotranspiration (keeps moisture in).• Mulches can be used as erosion control.• Compost is a recycled product.• Irrigation audits and rain sensors save water.

Planting Shade Trees• More shade less water.• Immediates the air temperature when placed strategically by building/homes.• Reduces interior temperatures, less fans/air conditioning.• Reduces CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) in the air .

UYETA LANDSCAPE& MAINTENANCE

Design • Installation • Restoration

KitchenRepairing leaks and taking other steps to save water in your kitchen will reduce

both your water use and utility bills. Here are some tips to help you save water in the kitchen.

Install efficient appliancesTo save water and energy, replace dishwashers with Energy Star® models. Unless

you are very frugal with water, dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand.

Learn about Energy Star appliances from the Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov.

Water-saving steps• Replace older faucet nozzles (aerators) with new ones that are rated at

2.0 gallons per minute (gpm), or less. Aerators cost only a few dollars.

• Turn the water off when washing dishes. If you have two sinks, try filling one with wash water and the other with rinse water. Otherwise, fill a separate basin with rinse water.

• Wash only full loads in your dishwasher. You'll save both water and energy.

• Reuse clean household water, such as water you run until it's hot, or water used to boil eggs or steam vegetables to water plants.

Laundry roomDoing laundry is the second-biggest use of water in most homes. Your washing

machine has a big impact on your water and energy bills. Installing an efficient clothes washer is a great way to help you save water in the laundry room.

Water-saving steps• Replace older faucet nozzles (aerators) with new ones that are rated at

2.0 gallons per minute (gpm), or less. Aerators cost only a few dollars.

• Collect water that runs before it's hot, and reuse-such as for watering plants.

• Wash full loads. In general, the washer drum should be full to the top. You can save up to 2,000 gallons of water a year-and save time with fewer loads.

RebatesFind application forms and details on www.savingwater.org

for owners/managers of apartments and condos:

Multi-family coin-op laundry (LaundryWise):

Rebates of $100-$125 depending on the efficiency of the machine used in a common-area laundry.

Practice smart watering to keep lawns and gardens healthier. Smart Watering can reduce the need for pesticides by preventing plant diseases that are often caused by over-watering. To get a copy of your own Smart Watering Guide visit www.savingwater.org. Here are some tips to get you started on Smart Watering.

Water Smart living tips• Use water wisely!

Water plants when they need it, and apply water according to your soil type and the weather. Do not apply water faster than the soil can absorb it.

• Water in the morning, so less water is lost to evaporation.

• Choose the right watering method. A soaker hose applies water directly to the soil and reduces evaporation. If you are planting a few plants in an existing planting bed, hand watering can get the new plants the water they need while not overwatering the rest of the bed.

• Get to know your soil, as it greatly affects watering frequency and duration.

• Check soil moisture before watering. Probe soil with a spade or trowel. Generally, you want the soil to be dry an inch or two below the surface before you water.

• Recheck soil after watering. At least an hour after you water (or two hours with clay soil), probe soil to see how deeply the water penetrated. If it didn’t reach the root zone, you may need to increase your watering. If the area is soggy, try cutting back on watering next time.

• Encourage deep roots by allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering again.

• Pick the right plant for the right place. Choose plants that are pest-resistant, require less water, and match the sun, shade, and soil in your yard.

• Avoid planting in hot, dry weather which can easily stress plants. If you must plant in summer, plant in the cool of the morning when less water is lost to evaporation.

• Mulch for moisture. Mulching the surface of the soil reduces evaporation so you can water less often.

Irrigation & Sprinkler System Tips Automatic sprinkler systems are convenient, but they often waste 40-50% of

the water used. If you have an automatic, in-ground sprinkler system, annual maintenance, fine-tuning and proper schedules are the best ways to save money and improve the health of your landscape.

Avoiding Overwatering: Adjust your watering to reflect changes in how much your plants really need. Length of day has the greatest impact on how much water plants need to stay healthy and green. Though September is typically hot and dry, plants are using only about 60% of what they needed in July.

Maintaining Automatic Sprinklers• Install a rain sensor (free or $75 rebate) or "smart" sprinkler clock/controller

(up to $450 rebate) to automatically adjust watering schedules to changes in the weather.

• Check to see if your clock/controller has a "Percent Adjust" or "Water Budget" feature, and use the Irrigation Index at www.iwms.org to easily adjust watering times. Sign up to receive automatic Irrigation Index email updates.

• Hire a certified irrigation professional to check for leaks and breaks every year (http://www.irrigation.org/hirecertified/).

• For new systems, understand the long-term costs and use a certified irrigation contractor to design, install and maintain it.

For rebates and tips visit www.savingwater.org.

www.rentonreporter.com

CITy Of RENTON KIDS' WATER PAgE

Play the WaterBusters game at www.savingwater.org/education_kids.htm

for more kids activities visit: http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=100June 29, 2012[6] www.rentonreporter.com

OUTDOOR WATERInG

watering wisdom for a healthy yard

RebatesFor residential customers, owners/managers

of apartments and condos, For industrial and commercial customers:: Sprinkler system: includes rain sensors, smart controllers, drip irrigation, sprinkler heads and more – standard and custom. Rebates up to 50 percent of project costs.

For rebates and more tips visit www.savingwater.org. Find out how you can save on rain sensors, smart controllers, drip irrigation and sprinkler heads to make your system more efficient.

June 29, 2012 [7] www.rentonreporter.com

CITy Of RENTON KIDS' WATER PAgE

Play the WaterBusters game at www.savingwater.org/education_kids.htm

for more kids activities visit: http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=100www.rentonreporter.com

In-depth resourcesSaving Water Partnership - The partnership that includes Renton is dedicated to helping conserve water at home and at work. www.savingwater.org Hotline: 206-684-SAVE

Saving Water Partnership education and resourceswww.savingwater.org/education_links.htm

City of Renton Water conservation programs www.rentonwa.gov

Garden Hotline - Call 206-633-0224 help@gardenhotline.org or www.savingwater.org

Free Natural Yard Care class - Ladd Smith, co-owner of In Harmony: learn what Natural Yard Care is all about and how to create a healthy, beautiful yard. Register through Brown Paper Tickets. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Skyway Water and Sewer District, 6723 S. 124th St. Register online www.brownpapertickets.com Phone: 1-800-838-3006

Smart Watering - To keep lawns and gardens healthier, use the Smart Watering Guide www.savingwater.org

Irrigation systems - Tools to help you manage your watering schedule from Irrigation Water Management Society www.iwms.org

Efficient showerheads - How to save water and energy in shower www.epa.gov/watersense/products/showerheads.html

Energy Star appliances - www.energystar.gov

State Department of EcologyWater conservation tips www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/ws/wtrcnsv.html

EPA: Test your water senseAn interactive online quiz www.epa.gov/watersense/test_your_watersense.html

June 29, 2012[8] www.rentonreporter.com

WATER-SAvInG TIPS

conserve & preserve

Inside the home• Repair leaky toilets, faucets and pipes

• Install water-saving faucets, toilets and appliances

• Throw tissues away in the waste basket, not in the toilet

• Take shorter showers

• Turn off running water while brushing teeth or shaving

• Soak dishes before washing and don't leave rinse water running while washing them by hand

• Run dishwasher only when full

• Wash only full loads of laundry and use the cold-water setting to save energy as well

Outside the home• Install rain shutoff devices on automatic sprinklers and adjust them to eliminate watering pavement areas

• Water lawns early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation

• Choose plants that match the sun, shade and soil conditions in your yard

• Put 2-3" of mulch around trees and shrubs

• Collect rainwater from gutters in a rain barrel and use it to water your garden

• Use coverings on pools and spas when not in use to reduce evaporation• Use a bucket of soapy water when washing your car at home and a hose nozzle that shuts off the water while you are scrubbing

Is bottled water safer than tap water? EPA sets standards for tap water provided by public water systems; the Food and Drug Administration sets bottled water standards based on EPA’s tap water standards. Bottled water and tap water are both safe to drink if they meet these standards.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), carried out a four-year review of the bottled water industry, and concluded "there is no assurance that just because water comes out of a bottle, it is any cleaner or safer than water from the tap." The NRDC also determined that an estimated 25 percent of bottled water is "really just tap water in a bottle—sometimes further treated, sometimes not."

If you drink your daily recommended 8 glasses of water per day from the tap, it will cost you about 50 cents per year. If you choose to drink it from water bottles, it can cost you up to $1,400.

For information on understanding the data in this report and choosing a water filter for your home, watch the video “Take Back the Tap Guide to Safe Tap Water” at www.foodandwaterwatch.org/tools-and-resources/.

Take back the tap

Tips to remember

savvythe

gardener

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Our free classes are designed to inspire gardeners while sharing practical advice on creating and maintaining healthy, beautiful landscapes that are good for you and good for the environment.

Our site will be updated frequently as new courses and locations are scheduled. To automatically receive the complete list of classes at the start of each season, subscribe to the Savvy Gardener class announcement.

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Free Classes