As the air gets cooler and the nights grow longer, Halloween is a time for ghostly fun and spooky surprises. But don’t let your water usage be one of those surprises! Water is one resource we can't afford to waste—even when you're busy carving pumpkins and watching your favorite Halloween movies. So, here are some frighteningly simple tips to conserve water this Halloween season!
1. Beware of Leaks
A leaking faucet can seem like a small thing, but that slow drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water each day and increase your water bill. Take a few minutes to check your sinks, showers, and outdoor spigots for leaks. Additionally, a leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons daily, so if your toilet is constantly running, consider replacing the flapper or rubber washer.
2. Give Your Lawn a Break
The water needs of your lawn decrease dramatically in the fall. Reduce your irrigation schedule or turn off your sprinklers as plants go dormant for the season. Overwatering now can result in waste of water and plant disease. This is also a good time of year to begin winterizing your irrigation system. This will prevent damage and leaks during the colder months. JCSUD customers can sign up for free Weekly Watering Advice, which will send you a weekly notification telling you how much you need to water, if at all. Sign up now by following this link: https://bit.ly/JCSUD_WateringAdvice
3. Save Water While Getting Ready for Trick-or-Treaters
Decorating for Halloween is fun, but it can come at a price if you're not careful. Instead of washing down your driveway, patios, and sidewalks, consider using a broom or leaf blower to clean them off. If you are touching up your landscaping, consider adding mulch to your flowerbeds and around trees and shrubs. Mulch will retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and reduce weeds competing for water.
4. Be Water Wise in the Kitchen
Whether you’re making caramel apples, roasting pumpkin seeds, baking a pie, or making another favorite dish for Halloween, there are several ways you can conserve water in the kitchen. Run the dishwasher only when full to save water, energy, detergent, and money. If you install faucet aerators, you’ll cut your sink water consumption in half! Use garbage disposals sparingly. They can waste water unnecessarily. Thaw frozen food items in the fridge in advance instead of using running water.
Water conservation doesn’t have to be scary! By making a few simple changes, you can enjoy a spooktacular Halloween while taking control of your water usage. And if you want an extra treat, sign up for JCSUD’s WaterSmart portal to track your water usage and set alerts to avoid any surprises on your bill: https://bit.ly/JCSUDWaterSmart
Let’s keep the frights to haunted houses and costumes—not your water consumption! Happy Halloween!