Fun Facts and Useful Tips

---

It's easy to use up a lot of water.  Here are some everyday activities and the approximate amount of water each uses.

Laundry: 20 to 45 gallons per load.

Shower: 20 to 30 gallons per shower.

Tub Bath: 30 to 40 gallons per bath.

Dishwasher: 15 to 30 gallons per load.

Toilet: 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush.

Drinking Water: 1 to 2 quarts per day per person.

Garbage Disposal: 5 gallon per minute of use.

Car Washing: 5 gallon per minute of use.

Lawn Watering: 7 to 43 gallons per 100 square feet.

Below are some tips for winterizing shared from various sources on the internet and true customer situations.  Application of these tips will vary based on usage of the home during winter months.  If you have specific questions or concerns about your home, please consult a plumber.

• Shut off the water supply at your main valve to the dwelling and contact the utility to shut the main utility valve off.  If you periodically return to your home throughout the winter and choose to only shut off your main valve, leave a couple of faucets on to relieve the water pressure on the pipes.
• Drain and blow out water from lines and fixtures including but not limited to water tanks ( and turn off the breaker), dishwashers, ice makers, toilet tanks, washers and exterior hose bibs and spigots.  If you are not leaving the home for the winter it is still a good idea to turn off the inside valve to any exterior spigots and drain, as well as remove any hoses from the spigot.
• Fill all soil traps including but not limited to all tubs, toilets, showers and floor drains throughout the dwelling with a biodegradable, non staining antifreeze (water evaporates) to create a trap seal.
• Make sure to review your heating system.  It is not recommended to set your heat any lower than 55 degrees.  Make certain that you change the batteries in any type of heating system that have battery backup, thermostats or igniters.
• If you have a crawl space, make sure your vents are in the closed position and insulation is placed over them to keep out the winter cold.  Remember to remove the insulation and reopen the vents in the spring to allow fresh air into the space.

In Winter of 2012 one of our customers had a water leak in their crawlspace that amounted to 251,630 gallons, that is enough water to fill the new pool at the Lodge more than 6 times!

Place these items in the TRASH and NOT the toilet:

• Disinfecting wipes
• Paper towels
• Baby wipes
• Towelettes
• Mop refills

Think before you flush...annually wipes cost taxpayers over $1 billion in repairs to wastewater systems nationwide.

Alpine Lake has 12 pumps, 8 are grinder pumps and grinder pumps cost an average of $6,000 to $8,000 to replace.

Flushable does not mean biodegradable.

Wipes can clog septic systems too.