October is National Clean Energy Action Month, a time to get enlightened about the importance of energy conservation. When you save energy, you save water too! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers an ENERGY STAR certification for energy-efficient products – including water-using appliances such as washing machines. ENERGY STAR certified front load washing machines use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than a top-load agitator washer. They use higher speeds during the spin cycle, removing more water and easing the dryer's workload. ENERGY STAR washers are designed to use less water and less energy, which can also save you money on utility bills.

Energy and water are connected in many ways. The pumps along the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal use energy to move and deliver water to the valley. Moving water through dams produces electricity for millions of people. At our water treatment plants, energy is used to treat the water for safe consumption. In our homes, we use energy to heat water.

By conserving energy, we conserve water and one of the easiest ways to save both energy and water at home is by installing water-efficient products. Simple actions such as swapping your worn-out showerhead for a new WaterSense-labeled showerhead or replacing inefficient toilets. Irrigation technology can reduce your home’s water and energy use. The EPA has a complete list of WaterSense-certified products to choose from on its webpage.

Bonus tip:

The city of Glendale offers rebates for water customers who upgrade to WaterSense toilets and irrigation technologies or ENERGY STAR clothes washers to help you save money. Learn more about the rebate program requirements and eligibility at www.glendaleaz.com/rebates.