In an effort to ensure an adequate water supply for the community and to reduce waste, the City of Savage enforces outdoor watering restrictions throughout the year. Outdoor watering includes running sprinklers, using a garden hose, and using a watering can. Activities may include, but are not limited to, watering lawns, landscaping and gardens, and washing vehicles.

Restrictions

• All property owners: No outdoor watering from noon to 5 p.m.
• Owners of properties with addresses ending in an odd number (1,3,5,7,9): Water only on odd-numbered dates
• Owners of properties with addresses ending in an even number (0,2,4,6,8): Water only on even-numbered dates
   

New Sod/Seed:

Residents can fill out an online Watering Variance Form for watering new seed/sod.  The Watering Variance is for 30 days and allows for watering daily, except between the watering restricted hours of noon to 5 p.m.

• Watering Variance Form

The Utilities Division recommends the following simple procedure for checking your water system for leaks.

1. Locate the water meter. It may be in the basement or utility room or wherever the water line enters your home.
2. Read the meter twice. Read it first at night, after the day's water use has ended and again in the morning before any water is used. (Be aware that water softeners regenerate at night and water may be used in this process).
3. Find the difference. Subtract the first from the second reading to tell how much (if any) water leaked out overnight.
4. Do you suspect a leak? Find it by checking pipes and fixtures. Put food dye in the toilet tank if you suspect a leak in that fixture. (The dye will seep through into the bowl if its leaking).

A leaky hot water faucet should never be disregarded. Little drops of heated water cost money. Below are examples of how much hot water and electricity can "go down the drain" through leaky faucets.

Heating water is the second largest energy user in the home. Family hot water usage has increased due to more widespread use of modern appliances. The estimated water use in today's average home is listed in the tables below.

Typical Water Usage

Average Hot Water Used Per Day

Other helpful tips for conserving water include:

• Locate, mark and check your shut-off valves regularly. Shut-off valves simplify repairs and save water in emergencies.
• Thinking about remodeling? If so, ask a plumber or plumbing supplier about water saving fixtures. Plan to insulate hot water pipes.

Helpful Links

Water conservation has become an important concern for all of society due to limited resources available and our continued reliance upon this natural resource.

Residents can do their part by utilizing simple techniques to help preserve our water supply for future generations. Please check out the links below for landscaping tips and water conservation.

• Water Conservation
• Landscaping Tips

For more information on water conservation tips and techniques, contact the Utility Services Division at 952-224-3440. Additional tips are available at H2OUSE.org.