Help us make this a better resource.
Click here.
Planting Seeds: Assess your facility’s current water usage
Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:
- Look at water bill statements
- Calculate your water usage (monthly and annually)
- Schedule a water audit
General Information Related to this Strategy:
- Water audit guide for worship spaces
- Check out this household water calculator to start thinking more intentionally about water use in general, and share with your community members
Available Resources in Western North Carolina:
- City of Asheville Water Education program
- Waste Reduction Partners resources and water audits
Nurturing Growth: Begin reducing water usage in simple ways
Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:
- Fix leaky faucets or toilets
- Install aerators in faucets
- Only run dishwashers when full
- When washing dishes by hand, use a tub for soapy water and a second one for rinsing
- When washing towels/other laundry, do full loads and use cold water.
- Spot clean linens and clothes with a wet cloth and a little soap when the rest of the item is clean
- Recycle grey-water for landscaping and/or toilets
General Information Related to this Strategy:
- Observe World Water Day on March 22
- Provide education about water usage in households
Deepening Roots: Implement long-term changes in water usage
Suggested Practices and Examples for Implementation:
- Look for WaterSense labeled products
- Install low-flow / high-efficiency toilets
- Reuse rainwater to irrigate property (use rain barrels to catch runoff from roof, etc.)
- Plant a rain garden to help filter pollutants from the water before it reaches the storm drain (particularly if your congregational land is heavily paved)
- Purchase Energy Star washers and dryers (including dishwashers)
- Advocate for clean water in your community
General Information Related to this Strategy:
- EPA Water Sense Guide for washing machines and dishwashers
- Energy Star dishwashers
Available Resources in Western North Carolina:
- Clean Water for North Carolina
- MountainTrue (clean water programs)