Marketing Extension: Resources
Public Service Announcements
Saving Water
John Harrell
November 2007
These four PSAs are offered in two versions:
PSAs — Runtime: 30 seconds
Saving Water in Kitchens
Don't let precious water trickle down the drain in your kitchen.
Repair leaking faucets by replacing washers. For every leak stopped, you save 20 gallons of water per day.
Limit pre-rinsing dirty dishes by using a rubber spatula to scrape dishes. Soak dirty dishes to speed up the washing process.
Keep drinking water chilled in the refrigerator, rather than running the tap until the water is cool. This will save 200 to 300 gallons of water per month.
For more information, call 1-800-ASK-UGA1 for your University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office. Or check us out on-line at ugaextension.com.
- Link to audio file (30 sec) :: .mp3
Saving Water in the Bathroom
Don't let precious water wash down the drain in your bathroom.
Install low-flow toilets. These toilets use 1.5 gallons of water per flush rather than 5 to 7 gallons used by conventional toilets. This change will save thousands of gallons of water per year.
Check for leaking faucets and toilets. Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color appears in the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak!
For more information, call 1-800-ASK UGA1 for your University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office. Or check us out on-line at ugaextension.com.
- Link to audio file (30 sec) :: .mp3
Saving Water has Long Range Benefits
Water conservation begins at home. Using less water puts less pressure on sewage treatment plants, and uses less energy for water heating. Conserving water through simple, everyday tasks saves hundreds of gallons of water per month.
Water supplies across much of the state are at record low levels. Let's all do our part to help conserve this precious resource.
For more information, call 1-800-ASK-UGA1 for your University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office. Or check us out on-line at ugaextension.com.
- Link to audio file (30 sec) :: .mp3
Saving Water Outdoors
Don't let precious water run off down the gutter. If you are allowed to water lawns and landscape gardens, make sure thirsty plants drink up the water. Don't apply water to streets and paved areas where it will be wasted.
Install water efficient sprinklers and timing devices, and keep an eye on them, to make sure they operate correctly.
Remember to stay informed on local watering rules and restrictions for your area.
For more information, call 1-800-ASK-UGA1 for your University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office. Or check us out on-line at ugaextension.com.
- Link to audio file (30 sec) :: .mp3
top
PSAs — Runtime: 60 seconds
Saving Water in Kitchens
Don’t let precious water trickle down the drain in your kitchen.
Wash dishes by hand to save water. Do not leave the water running for rinsing. Fill one sink with water for washing, and the other for rinsing. Consider using a spray nozzle for rinsing. This can help save 200 to 500 gallons of water per month!
Use the least amount of detergent possible so you won’t have to rinse as much. This will save 50 to 150 gallons of water per month.
Give the garbage disposal a break. Limiting the use of a garbage disposal could save 50 to 150 gallons of water per month.
Plan ahead and defrost in a refrigerator. Try to limit defrosting food in running water. This could also save 50 to 150 gallons of water per month.
Don’t forget to insulate water pipes to get hot water faster. This also helps avoid wasting water while it heats.
Remember, every drop counts! Find more tips on www.conservewatergeorgia.net. For more information, contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office at 1-800- ASK-UGA1.
- Link to audio file (60 sec) :: .mp3
Saving Water in the Bathroom
Don’t let precious water wash down the drain in your bathroom.
Place filled plastic bottle or plastic bag with pebbles in the toilet tank of older models. This allows you to use less water with each flush. You also save 5 to 10 gallons of water per day, or up to 300 gallons per month for larger families.
When trash needs to be disposed, put it in the trash can. Don’t use the toilet to get rid of trash. Keeping trash out of the toilet can save 2 to 7 gallons of water per flush.
Take five minute showers or less, and catch clean water while waiting for it to heat. Spending less time in the shower can save 200 to 300 gallons of water per month. Installing a water saving shower head can save 500 to 800 gallons of water per month.
If you have a choice of taking a shower or bath, choose the shower. But if you prefer a bath, cut back on the amount of water you use, since filling the bathtub can use up to fifty gallons of water. When preparing for a bath, fill the tub one-third full to save water.
You can also save three gallons of water per day by turning off the water while brushing your teeth.
Remember, every drop counts! Find more tips on www.conservewatergeorgia.net. For more information, contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office at 1-800- ASK-UGA1.
- Link to audio file (60 sec) :: .mp3
Saving Water has Long Range Benefits
Water conservation in your home is one of the best ways to reduce the demand for water.
Wash only full loads in the washing machine, to save water and energy. This will save 300 to 800 gallons of water per month.
You can also save energy and money by washing most clothes in cold water.
Set washing machine water levels lower for small loads.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a new washing machine or water heater, select one that’s energy efficient. Look for those that have the Energy Star label.
Turn down the water temperature on your hot water heater. Using less hot water not only saves water, but it also saves energy.
Conserving water through simple, everyday tasks saves hundreds of gallons of water per month.
Water supplies across much of the state are at record low levels. Let’s all do our part to help conserve this precious resource.
Remember, every drop counts! Find more tips on www.conservewatergeorgia.net. For more information, contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office at 1-800- ASK-UGA1.
- Link to audio file (60 sec) :: .mp3
Saving Water Outdoors
Don’t let precious water run off from your home down the gutter.
Stay informed on local watering rules and restrictions in your area.
If you are allowed to use water outdoors, limit washing cars. Don’t run the hose while washing the car. This can save 750 to 1,500 gallons of water per month. You can help your grass get a drink of water by washing the car on the lawn. Take your car to a car wash that recycles water.
Think long and hard about having a building washed during a drought. Try to hold off until the rains return and break the drought we are now experiencing.
When cleaning a driveway, use a broom instead of hosing it down with water.
When landscaping, use drought tolerant plants and grasses. Group plants together based on watering needs.
Apply a mulch around plants to keep moisture in the soil. This also saves 750 to 1,500 gallons of water per month.
Avoid applying too much fertilizer in your lawn. This increases the need for water.
Let’s all do our part to be water smart, and save time, save money, and save water. Find more tips on www.conservewatergeorgia.net. For more information, contact your local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1.
- Link to audio file (60 sec) :: .mp3

