OREGON CITY, Oregon — The Clackamas River provides drinking water to over 360,000 people in Clackamas and Washington counties. In the treatment plant that processes the water from this river, every drop counts because the river does not have the capacity to store excess water.

“Everything that comes down the river flows through,” says Christine Hollenbeck, a representative of the Clackamas Water Providers.

The group is part of a larger coalition called the Regional Water Providers Consortium, which includes 25 water providers in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah and Washington counties.

Hollenbeck’s job is to educate the public about water conservation.

“Most people are simply not aware of their water consumption,” she says. “So it’s very important to be mindful of how and how much water you use.”

The first step is simple. Towards the end of summer, adjust the amount of water you give your lawn and outdoor plants based on their growth cycle.

Hollenbeck explains why: “They are all starting their dormant phase, so their main growth period is over.”

Next, be sure to check your sprinkler or irrigation system for leaks. Don’t forget your garden hose, too.

“If they leak, even if it’s just a small leak, hundreds of thousands of gallons of water can be wasted every month,” Hollenbeck explains.

You can control your water usage with some tools from the Environmental Protection Agency, such as soil moisture monitors, specially designed toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators. A full list of items can be found here.

You may think these items would be more expensive, but by going green you can actually get some money back in your wallet.

“Many public water suppliers in the metropolitan area offer discounts on toilets,” says Hollenbeck. “Some of them provide shower heads and aerators to customers free of charge.”

Another resource is the Weekly Watering Number, found here on the Regional Water Providers Consortium website.

Hollenbeck explains how it works. “You get a weekly notification of how much water has left the soil and how much needs to be returned in inches, so you can water much more accurately and efficiently.”

It’s also important to keep water for yourself in case of emergencies. Hollenbeck offers some advice on how much you’ll need.

“One gallon of water per person per day for 14 days or two weeks,” she says. “That’s the minimum.”

She recommends keeping the emergency water in a cool, dark place. Think about somewhere under your bed or in a closet, for example. Just remember to change the water every six months.

Instead of flushing the old water down the drain, you can use it to water your lawn or plants.

With a few simple steps, you can help save water for the environment, your community and yourself.