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Water conservation - what has biggest impact? #757124

Asked June 18, 2021, 6:47 PM EDT

Hello! We live on well water/septic in central Oregon. We are concerned about the drought and want to do something about it. I was curious if reducing our shower time would actually save much water since our gray water goes down to the septic and presumably soaks back into the ground? My thought was that it was more likely that irrigation is the more likely water waster... is this true? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Caitlin

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Hello Caitlin: Typical average home water use is as follows: Toilet 24%, Shower 20%, Faucets 19%, Clothes washer 17%, Leaks 12% and other 8%. The exception to this is if lawn irrigation is used. Irrigation can be a significant water use. It is true that a portion of water will enter the groundwater, however if irrigating during high temperatures, there is also a significant portion being evaporated and transpired (exiting plant leaves) that is not recharging the aquifer. There are ways to conserve water. See: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/lawn/lawn-watering-guide-eastern-oregon

Leaks are often a cause of significant water consumption depending on the type of leak. Check for running toilets and repair these. Leaks in an irrigation system can be an issue also. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 14, 2021, 9:58 AM EDT
Do you happen to know how much of the gray/black water actually seeps back into the groundwater from the septic system?

Thanks so much! We do have a running toilet that needs fixing- we've just been shutting it off until we need to flush it. 

On Wed, Jul 14, 2021 at 6:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2021, 1:27 PM EDT

Hello: This is a good question and I have note seen a exact number. However, it is important to note that a septic system is designed for all the wastewater to infiltrate the soil for treatment of organics, nutrients, pathogens, etc. Some water will be taken up by plants, but the majority of water is infiltrating to the groundwater. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 14, 2021, 2:08 PM EDT
Thanks so much. Sounds like water loss in there is minimal- so shower water would most likely be recycled and reducing waste in irrigation is the best way to preserve the water underground. 

Really appreciate you taking the time to answer!

Caitlin 

On Wed, Jul 14, 2021 at 11:08 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 14, 2021, 3:03 PM EDT
Hello: I have responded to this question, yet it states it is unanswered and overdue.  
Thank you. 
Andy

Andrew Lazur, Ph.D. 
State Extension Specialist - Water Quality
University of Maryland Extension
Central MD Research and Education Center
2005 Largo Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
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An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2021, 9:12 AM EDT

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