The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is encouraging all Alabama residents to take the “40 Gallon Challenge” and save 40 gallons of water a day for their county and state.

Grant Lyons, Pike County Extension coordinator, said the “40 Gallon Challenge” is a call for residents and businesses to reduce the region’s water use on an average of 40 gallons per person, per day.

“The challenge began in 2011 as a voluntary campaign to increase water conservation,” Lyons said.

“The 40 Gallon Challenger encourages people to save a minimum of 40 gallons a day by adopting new water-saving techniques. Those who accept the challenge are asked to sign a pledge card that outlines water-saving practices and the daily water-savings to expect.”

Lyons said that drought conditions, population growth and increasing water demands have put added stress on the water supply.

“Reducing water usage at home saves these valuable resources and it also reduces the amount homeowners pay for water each month,” he said.

“If you save 40 gallons of water a day for 30 days, that’s more than 1,000 gallons a month and you’ll see a reduction in your water bill.”

Just by turning off the water when brushing your teeth saves up to eight gallons a day.

A sure and easy way to save water is, when washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

Another is to run the clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

To date, the daily water savings of the 1,737 United State residents who have accepted the “40 Gallon Challenge” is 312,380 gallons

For more information on how to conserve our water supply, contact Lyons at 334-566-0985 or Kerry Smith at 334-844-3036 at Auburn University or smithkp@auburn.edu.

Google “40 Gallon Challenge” to accept the challenge.