Fresh drinking water is a precious and limited resource.  Whether Norfolk is under water restrictions or not, it’s important for us to use water responsibly at all times.  Let the following four guidelines help you cut water waste everyday.

  Change Wasteful Habits

Especially in the bathroom where 70% of all household water is used.

Fill a pitcher or a sports bottle with tap water and put it in your refrigerator. 

You’ll save water by not running the tap each time you or a family member is thirsty, and you’ll have a refreshing drink at your fingertips whenever you want it.

Turn off the water while you brush your teeth, shave, or wash your face.

You could save more than 100 gallons of water a month once this habit becomes second nature.

Use water outside only when necessary. 

Let nature water your garden so you won’t have to, and use a bucket instead of the garden hose when washing your car. 

Take shorter showers.

Regular showerheads can use an average of 5 to 7 gallons per minute..

Don’t use the toilet for a trashcan or wastebasket.

Needless flushing wastes water, even if you have a low-flow toilet.

  Use water-saving devices

The technology has come a long way in low-flow toilets, showerheads, faucets and other devices.

  FIND AND REPAIR LEAKS

They can dribble away at least 10% of the water you pay for. 

  REUSE WATER

Catch the water that’s going down the drain while you wait for it to get hot or cold.  Water a plant, run the garbage disposal, or pour it into the toilet bowl to flush.

For more information about the Department of Utilities' Public Information program and its various services, contact Peg Nelson at (757) 664-6730.

We are here to serve you!

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Water or Sewer Main Breaks (757) 823-1000

Water Turn On/Turn Off (757) 664-6700

Miss Utility (Call Before You Dig)

1-800-552-7001