Conservation Info

Water Conservation – We can all do our part!

The District will provide rebates to customers who provide acceptable proof of expenditure of funds, as described in the program description, for the purchase and use of approved instruments to assist in water conservation (Resolution 2008-15, adopted 05/01/08).

The rebate consists of a maximum, one-time, rebate credit of $75.00 per residential customer.

View, download, and/or print the Conservation Rebate Credit Form and Rebate Eligibility requirements.

Water conservation tips

These conservation tips are being provided by the North Kootenai Water & Sewer District in an effort to encourage preservation and protection of our important sole source aquifer. Thank you for your help!!

Water conservation in your home

  • Fix leaking faucets – A small leak can waste 20 or more gallons per day.
  • Wash full loads of clothes and dishes – Each extra load can use up to 40 gallons.
  • Shut off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving – Running the faucet for two minutes can waste a gallon of water.
  • Shorten showers or turn them off while soaping
  • Use water efficient appliances – Newer appliances can cut water use by 50%.
  • Each flush wastes water – Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.

Water conservation in the Yard

  • Avoid over-watering your lawn – Lawns need only 1-2″ of water per week including rain.
  • Check sprinklers regularly and fix leaks or broken units
  • Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering pavement – If it can’t grow, why water it?
  • Adjust watering schedule according to the season – Plants need less water in early and late seasons.
  • Turn sprinklers off during and following a rainstorm – Why pay for water if Mother Nature does it for you?
  • Sprinkle lawns before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. to reduce evaporation – Water that evaporates doesn’t help the plants.
  • Use drip irrigation systems on shrubs, trees, and flowers
  • Sweep sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, or other paved surfaces with a broom instead of washing them with water.
  • Wash cars where water is not wasted – Water in the gutter is just money down the drain.
  • Hand water dry spots in the yard rather than over-watering the rest.
  • Looking for Outdoor Watering Solutions? – Outdoor Watering Nerds can connect you to Professionals and Do It Yourself resources. https://outdoorwateringnerds.org/

Water Conservation with landscaping

  • Mulch trees, shrubs, and flowers to retain soil moisture – 2″ of mulch can reduce evaporation by 50%.
  • Separate landscaping and plants into different irrigation zones – Trees and shrubs have different water needs than flowers and lawns.
  • Reduce lawn areas and replace with ground covers.
  • Consider native vegetation or drought-tolerant varieties – Drought tolerance occurs once plant is established.
  • Looking for Outdoor Watering Solutions? – Outdoor Watering Nerds can connect you to Professionals and Do It Yourself resources. https://outdoorwateringnerds.org/

Some good choices for local area:

  • Trees: Hackberry, Russian Olive, Locust
  • Shrubs: Siberian Pea Shrub, Caryopteris, Smoke Tree, Catoneaster, Juniper, Yew, Sumac, Mahonia, Pyracantha, Snowberry
  • Ground cover and vines: Juniper, Thyme, Kinnickkinnick
  • Perennials: Thrift, Artemesia, Butterfly Weed, Beaded Iris, Daffodils, Penstemon

Voluntary conservation now may avoid mandatory restrictions later!