Water Use 101

Water is one of the most important elements supporting our lives today, and exists in the delicate balance of the water cycle. Because of this, we must take extra care in our use of water. Both water conservation and efficiency should be observed when addressing water use in Evanston.

Water Conservation

While Evanston is lucky to be located near such a large source of water such as Lake Michigan, it still requires a lot of energy to bring that water from its source all the way to your faucet. Because of this, it is important to be conscious of how much water you are using during the day. By simply reducing the amount of water you use, you are reducing the amount of energy being used to pump the water which helps Evanston reduce its impact on the environment.

Conservation can be as easy as turning the water off when you are brushing your teeth or taking a shower instead of a bath.

Another great step towards reducing the water being pumped into your home is by installing a rain barrel. Rain barrels allow you to water your garden and perform other outside water-related activities without the need to purchase the water from the city. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District offers rain barrels at a greatly reduced price!

Visit the following resources for more tips on conservation:

  • Preserving Every Drop - Committed to providing reliable, quality, responsive, and cost-efficient Lake Michigan water service for existing and future customers.
  • WaterSense - The EPA's program covering smart water usage.

Water Efficiency

After reducing the amount of water you use on a daily basis, focusing on being more efficient with the water you are still using is the next important step. It is important to fix all leaky faucets, toilets, and showerheads to ensure that you are not wasting any water before it is reaching you. Also, by installing efficient fixtures such as a low flow toilet, you are reducing the amount of water consumed each use without sacrificing functionality.

The following resources can help you determine how to be more efficient with your water usage:

  • City of Evanston Water FAQ - The City of Evanston's tips for how to be more efficient with your water usage, which ultimately saves you money on your water bill. 
  • Watch this video to learn how to identify a toilet leak in your home: