New York City’s water system is one of the oldest in the country. Technology and society have made water conservation efforts stronger than ever. However, it’s still important to save water, especially as the weather gets warmer in the spring. Berk Trade & Business School is a technical institute dedicated to teaching its students about not just plumbing, but the importance of the city’s water as well.

Here are some tips for saving water this spring in NYC:

• Take short showers. Even if the weather gets hot, it doesn’t take long to cool down. Keep your showers at a five-minute maximum. You’ll save five to seven gallons for every minute you cut off.
• Turn off the faucet. Don’t leave the water running while you shave, wash your hands, or brush your teeth. A sink can dispense two to three gallons of water per minute!
• Repair leaky faucets immediately. Even a slow drip can waste water. Check your faucets, showerheads, and hoses. If they’re leaking, fix them and save 15 to 20 gallons per day.
• Don’t open fire hydrants. It doesn’t matter if the neighborhood kids want to make a splash. Opening a hydrant wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute. It’s also illegal to open a hydrant unless you’re equipped with a city-approved sprinkler cap.
• Don’t overwater your plants. If you have a little garden in your window or yard, water your plans in the morning or at night. Not only will this help you save water, but you’ll save your plants, too!

With these tips, you’ll be able to conserve water and help the city keep running smoothly this spring. If your water problems require a plumber, make sure you hire an alumnus of Berk Trade & Business School. If you are interested in the trade school’s courses for technical careers, visit them online and call (718) 729-0909.