RESOURCES | Highlands Utility District

Winterizing Pipes

Prevent the expense and inconvenience of frozen pipes with these simple steps:

Disconnect and drain all garden hoses.
Insulate exterior pipes and faucets with newspaper or insulating material, then cover with plastic and secure with string or wire. You can also use electric heat tape.
Insulate interior pipes and faucets in cold areas (including unheated attics, basements, garages and crawl spaces) the same way as Step 2.
Locate your main water shut-off valve to make sure it works and you know how to use it—prior to an emergency—so you are prepared to stop excessive water loss and flooding if a pipe breaks.
If you have a yard sprinkler system, drain and blow out the system completely.
On extra cold nights, open the doors of closets or cabinets that are located near water pipes on your home’s exterior walls.
For maximum protection, apply caulk around incoming pipes, and close or block your home’s foundation vents during the coldest months (mark your calendar to open them up to prevent dry rot, once the threat of freezing has passed).

Preventing Backflow

Washington State Department of Health regulations require all potable (i.e., drinkable) water system operators to implement cross-connection control programs that prevent contamination of the public water system due to backflow.

What's a Cross Connection?

A cross-connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a non-potable substance to “backflow” and come into contact with the potable drinking water supply. For homeowners, these points commonly include irrigation systems, pools, hot tubs, fountains or other major water features, boilers that service radiant heating systems, and private fire sprinkler systems.

What Causes a Backflow?

Back-siphonage: when there’s a break in the water line, when the water line is being repaired, or when the water supply is shut off, this causes negative pressure in the supply line and results in a reverse flow.

Back-pressure: when the potable / public water supply is connected to another system that operates at a higher pressure, or with the ability to create pressure—for example, when there's an increased water demand during a major fire event, or elevated plumbing or irrigation systems—this change in water pressure can cause a reverse flow.

Highlands Utility District is responsible for selecting, installing, maintaining, and testing premise isolating backflow prevention devices adjacent to water meters. For more information, refer to our Cross Connection Control policy, or give us a call at 206-362-2100, extension 103.

Water Conservation Tips

All Year Long

Toilets are the #1 cause of undetected water leaks in the home (and resulting high water bills)—a leaky toilet wastes between 30 and 200 gallons of water per day! Replace worn toilet flappers, and consider replacing old toilets with water-saving newer models. Learn more
Faucets are the second most common cause of water leaks. Replace rubber washers and gaskets in your faucets, hoses and shower heads. Learn more
Take showers instead of baths: a 4-5 minute shower uses roughly 10 gallons of water compared to up to 50 gallons for a bath.
Take shorter showers: every minute is 2.5 gallons!
Install energy efficient shower heads, toilets, and faucet nozzles.
Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.
Fix leaky faucets, hose bibs, sprinkler heads, and toilet flappers.
Wash large loads of laundry and wait until your dishwasher is full to run it. If you've only got a few dirty plates or you're in a small household where it's not practical to wait until the dishwasher's full, you're better off washing in the sink. Just remember to turn off the water while you're scrubbing.
When changing out your pet's water dish or draining the aquarium to clean, use the old water on house plants.
Pay close attention to your containers: unglazed terra cotta clay containers are beautiful, but they dry out quickly. Wherever possible, choose glazed ceramic, plastic, or other hard-material pots.

During Summer's Peak Usage

Check irrigation systems for freeze damage, broken parts, and slow leaks (this tip can save schools and other municipal facilities thousands of dollars every year!) Unusually damp or green patches of grass are usually the first sign of a leak. Inspect your irrigation system for leaks and breaks at least once a month while it is being used.
Water early or late in the day to reduce evaporation. Avoid watering in the head of the day and/or when it's windy.
Apply water to the roots, not the foliage: Watering the roots reduces evaporation and the risk of plant disease. Using tools that direct water to the roots—like a water wand or a drip irrigation system—will help keep water where it is most useful.
Water outdoor plants twice a week; apply directly by hand.
Install drip irrigation for maximum watering efficiency.
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to help retain water.
Let your lawn go dormant: water deeply once a month to keep roots alive.
Use a broom or ShopVac rather than a hose to clean sidewalks, driveways and patios, rather than hosing them down—this can save up to 150 gallons each time!
Save pressure washing jobs until Fall rains return.
Wash cars less often, at locations that recycle water.
Turn off your garden hose at the faucet, not at the nozzle (nozzles are notorious for slow leaks).

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