Although there is not a water shortage in the Rouge River Watershed, water conservation is a good practice and will help the Rouge, especially in combined sewer area. In a combined system, it is important to practice water conservation because it is the excess water in the sewer system that causes a combined sewer overflow (where raw sewage and storm water is released into the river untreated).

Quick tips for water-savers:

• Check for leaks by monitoring your water meter before and after a two hour period where no water is used. If the readings are not identical, a leak is evident.
• Replace conventional shower heads with ultra low-flow models to reduce water flow by as much as 25 percent. Shortening your shower can save up to 10 gallons of water per minute.
• Don't waste water. As much as three gallons per minute can escape each time you allow water to run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Turn it off when your not using it!
• Install a toilet 'dam' (available at home improvement stores) or another displacement device in your toilet tank to save water each time you flush.
• Don't turn on an automatic sprinkler system simply to satisfy a few thirsty plants. Hand water them or install a drip system available at home improvement stores.
• Improve your aim. Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid watering driveways and concrete.
• Don't over water your lawn. See the watering tips in the lawn maintenance for further information.
• Collect rainwater to water your plants.
• Develop your own stream protection or enhancement projects.

For more tips on how to conserve water visit http://www.h2ouse.org/.

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Please address all comments and suggestions about the contents of this Web page to rougeweb@co.wayne.mi.us.

The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is funded, in part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants #XP995743-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -08 and C-264000-01.