any debris and replace any worn parts. If the plunger does not drop exactly into the opening in the reser- voir bottom, adjust the vertical rod and/or the loops through which it passes to allow it to drop freely. Make sure that the chain to the plunger rod is not twisted or caught in something. A faucet that drips two drips every second will add more than 200 gallons of water to your disposal system each month. If you have a leaking faucet, chances are great that it can be fixed by replacing the washer - a simple procedure requiring a wrench, a screwdriver, and a replacement washer. Don't forget to turn off the water valve below the sink before you start your plumbing repairs. Washerless faucets which leak are a bit more of a hassle in that you generally must go to the hardware store to get a repair kit. Again, the repairs are simple. RETROFITS Often, there are some changes you can make in the fixtures to reduce water consumption. Table 9.1 shows the typical household water use. From this table, you can tell where to concentrate your conservation efforts to do the most good. Figure 9.1 shows the typical workings of a toilet. To reduce the volume of water used by each flush of the toilet (usually the largest water user in the house), you can place a plastic bottle in the reser- voir. Use pint, quart, or gallon bottles filled with water and with sand or rocks in the bottom to add weight and keep them in one place. Place the bottle(s) where they won't interfere with the flush- ing mechanism. Now when you flush the toilet, an amount of water equal to the volume of the bottle(s) below the reservoir water level will not flow into the toilet bowl. WATER CONSERVATION Table 9.1 Residential Water Use by Activity Gal per Gal Per Use Person per Day % of Total Toilet Bathing Laundry Dish washing Garbage disposal Cooking/drinking Miscellaneous (including leakage) Source: U.S. EPA and Marin County, California. Overflow Tube Trip Lever Ball Cock Float Tank Ball Water Supply Valve Figure 9.1 Flush toilet. Commercial devices are a