Conservation Tips

Water & Utility Saving Tips

Water is a precious resource in Georgia and its neighboring states. Growing populations and ongoing drought are squeezing our water resources dry — here's what you can do about it.

We must bridge the gap between our understanding of how important water is to our survival and what we can do to ensure that we have an adequate supply of clean water for years to come. Below is a list of many simple ways we can take action and conserve water, both inside and outside our homes.

Check for Leaks Annually

Homeowners typically only notice leaks when they're dripping from a faucet or coming through a ceiling. Leaks underneath the house or in the basement are harder to diagnose. It's a good idea to have an experienced plumber give your home's pipes a once-over every year to reduce water consumption and prevent potentially expensive water damage.

Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. A faucet dripping at 1 drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons per year.
Verify your home is leak-free: read your water meter before and after a 2-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter doesn't read exactly the same, there is a leak.
Insulate your water pipes — you'll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while waiting for it to heat up.

Sprinkler watering a green lawn in summer

Top 10 Tips for Spring & Summer

Warmer months bring higher water usage — especially outdoors. These tips will help you keep your lawn and garden healthy while conserving water and reducing your bill.

Check all outside hoses and connections for leaks and winter damage at the start of the season.
Choose low-water groundcovers for your garden: lavender, daylilies, forget-me-nots, aloes, marigolds, and zinnias are beautiful and drought-tolerant.
Install a spring-loaded shutoff nozzle on each garden hose to avoid water waste when moving between areas.
When sprinkling, avoid watering driveways and sidewalks — direct water only to grass and plant beds.
Add compost, wood chips, or peat moss to your garden to boost water retention and reduce how often you need to water.
Use a slow-drip irrigation system to avoid over-watering and save money on your water bill.
Water lawns and gardens before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. — water evaporates most rapidly between those hours.
Keep your lawn approximately 2 inches long to reduce evaporation and require less frequent watering.
Cycle watering in areas where runoff occurs, especially on slopes or compacted dry soils.
Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing — they boost water retention and help grass grow thicker.

Preventing Frozen Pipes in Winter

Water expands when it freezes. In pipes, this expansion can cause ruptures — and the damage often occurs not at the freeze point, but between the freeze and a faucet. As ice blocks the pipe and expands, water pressure increases until the pipe bursts.

Locate and seal cracks and openings in walls, attic, basement, or crawlspace to keep cold air out.
Weather strip and caulk around crawlspace doors and basement windows.
Make sure your home is properly insulated — pay particular attention to areas where pipes are located.
Insulate unprotected pipes using pipe sleeves. Keep pieces tight against each other and seal slits and joints with duct tape.
Install thermostat-controlled, UL-listed heat cables appropriate for your pipe type. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
Install storm windows over basement windows or replace old windows with energy-efficient alternatives.
If you need help, contact a licensed builder or plumber — they may even be able to move exposed pipes to areas less likely to freeze.

Using Your Water Meter to Detect Leaks

Your water meter — attached to the exterior of your unit — is a powerful tool for detecting leaks before they become costly. Follow these steps to check for a leak yourself.

Step 1: Carefully remove the cover and lift the top to access the meter head.
Step 2: Locate the metal pinwheel leak indicator on the meter dial.
Step 3: Turn off all water sources to your unit or home. If the leak indicator is still rotating, you likely have a leak.
Step 4: For interior leaks, contact a licensed plumber who specializes in leak detection. They should check for leaks and underground breaks in your service pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Your Usage?

Our customer service team is here to help you understand your bill, identify unusual consumption, and connect you with the right resources.