WATER CONSERVATION IN YOUR CONGREGATION
Lutherans Restoring Creation Sustainability Guide
Why conserve water:
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Fresh water is a precious and scarce commodity in the world.
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Develop the habit of rationing water, because sustainable lifestyle requires it.
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Reduce carbon emissions by using less hot water.
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Lower energy use at water facilities plants.
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Protect the local watershed from polluted runoff.
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Save money for other ministries.
Efficiency, Conservation, and Protection.
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Efficiency refers to products put in place to save energy and be Earth-friendly.
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Conservation refers to human actions to save energy and be Earth-friendly.
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Protection refers to human actions to protect Earth from degrading products and processes.
Efficiency actions:
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Purchase Energy Star appliances. www.energystar.gov.
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Put low flow aerators on faucets in kitchen, bathrooms, and wash stations.
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Install hand flush urinals. Replace continuous flush or automatic urinals.
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Install low-flush toilets. Or use toilet balloons in older toilets to reduce water use.
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Check faucets (+outside) and toilets regularly for leaks and runs. Repair immediately.
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Install push-button faucets in bathrooms.
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Set hot water temperature at moderate rate (around 140 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Install on-demand water heating system.
Put blanket (at least 3 inches) around standard water heater.
Conservation actions:
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Do not let faucet run.
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Run dish washer only when full. Wash small loads by hand.
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Rinse dishes for the dishwasher in a bowl rather than under running water.
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Store drinking water in refrigerator. Do not run the faucet run until the water is cool.
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Avoid bottled water. Use safe water bottle refilled with tap water.
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Have members “bring your own” safe reusable water bottle to be filled.
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Avoid use of disposal. It uses a lot of water. Compost food scraps.
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Wash church cars/vans by hand (sponge and bucket) rather than in carwashes.
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Sponsor a youth car wash for members.
Water Outside:
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Use rain barrels to collect rain to water plants.
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Native grasses require less watering. Avoid watering lawn at all.
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Set the mower high to preserve moisture in the soil.
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Mow less often and leave the grass clippings on the grass.
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Plant trees to provide shade that preserves moisture in the soil.
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Plant drought resistant shrubs and flowers.

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Use watering can rather than hose for plants and flowers. Avoid sprinklers.
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If you water at all, do so early in the morning or in the evenings.
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Put bird baths to provide water for birds, when and where it is safe for standing water.
Protect the Environment:
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Do not put toxic items down the drain: cleansers, bleach, detergents, and so on. Do not put grease, fat, or cooking oil down the drain. Make grease balls with nuts and raisin to hang for birds to feed on.
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Avoid use of pesticides or herbicides or weed killers. These will run off into the water shed and pollute local waterways.
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Plant rain gardens containing special plants with deep roots that absorb water so it does not runoff from roofs into the watershed or water ways.
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Preserve part of the property as native prairie or have a section of untended wildflowers.
Educational actions:
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Get the staff on board: maintenance, office workers, volunteers.
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Put up reminder signs: Report water leaks. Do not let faucet run. Run dishwasher when full.
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Bulletin instructions and explanations for water conservation.
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Covenant: Invite members at worship to sign a community covenant to practice conservation.
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Post this guide on the bulletin board or publish it in newsletter.
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Promote these actions for members at home and work.
Advocacy and Public Witness:
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Restore degraded water habitats such as local streams and lakes.
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Promote the preservation of wetlands.
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Learn about water problems around the globe.
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Advocate for policies and laws to slow global warming.
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Oppose practices of extraction for oil, gas, or minerals that threaten water resources.