City reminds residents of efficient water use practices amid summer heat

As summer temperatures rise, the City of Dover is reminding water system customers about efficient water use practices. While the city's water supply remains ample and fully capable of meeting increased summer demand, officials are promoting mindful consumption of this valuable resource.

Recent data shows daily water use has increased to as much as 3 million gallons during peak summer days. Average daily use, excluding the summer months, is about 1.8 million gallons, according to Community Services Director John Storer.

The city's robust water system, bolstered by the recently commissioned Pudding Hill Water Treatment Plant, which can provide up to 40% of the city's daily water needs, is well-equipped to handle the surge in usage.

"Our water system is strong and fully capable of meeting the current demand," said City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. "As we see usage increase during these warm summer months, it's a good time to remind ourselves about efficient water use practices. By being mindful of our water habits, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of this precious resource for our community."

The city offers the following suggestions for water use:

• Consider watering lawns and gardens early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation
• When cleaning outdoor areas, a broom can be just as effective as a hose for many tasks
• Promptly repairing leaky faucets and toilets can prevent unnecessary water loss
• Water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators can reduce water use without compromising performance
• Running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines maximizes water efficiency
• Collecting rainwater for outdoor plant watering can be an eco-friendly alternative
• Be mindful of lawn watering; most lawns need only 1 inch of water per week
  Consider using a car wash that recycles water for vehicle cleaning

These practices can help maintain efficient water use without significantly impacting daily activities.

Residents and businesses connected to the city’s public drinking water system can monitor daily water usage and receive alerts of potential water leaks with the city’s Eye on Water service.

To sign-up, visit https://eyeonwater.com/signup. Customers will need their water service account number, which is printed on the water bill.

The service provides customers direct access to their water consumption data and provides tools to help manage water use, updating usage four times daily. The tools allow consumers to view their daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly usage activity and provide a better understanding of how they use water. The app allows customers to set text/email alerts based on water usage to help detect leaks in the system quickly.

The city will continue to monitor water usage patterns and provide updates as needed. Residents interested in learning more about water usage and efficiency can find information through the city's official website and social media channels. Additional water conservation tips and resources are available on the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Resources website.

For more information on efficient water use or the city's water supply, please contact the Community Services Department at 603-516-6450.