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<h1><span class="p">New Features on www.conserveh2o.org</span></h1>
<p><span class="p">Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, we are sure that you will learn something new as you tour our new interactive <a href="/h2ohouse">water house</a> which has a ton of great indoor and outdoor water conservation tips.</span></p>
<p><span class="p"><a href="/watercalculator/quiz/start"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/news/calculator.jpg" width="200" height="250" /></a>You can also visit our re-vamped <a href="/watercalculator/quiz/start">Water Savings Calculator</a> to see if your water conservation efforts are adding up.  </span></p>
<p><span class="p">The new calculator includes easier navigation and saves your data from visit to visit.  </span><span class="p">This will make it easier for you to measure your estimated water savings as you adopt new water saving practices or add new <a href="http://www.epa.gov/watersense/">WaterSense</a>-certified conservation appliances or devices.</span></p>
<h1><span class="p">Why Not Rain Barrels?</span></h1>
<p>It’s true that it rains a lot in the Pacific Northwest.  But, unlike other parts of the country that receive rainfall year-round, here in the Portland metro area we typically receive the least amount of rainfall during the summer months – a time of year when our outdoor water usage is at its highest.</p>
<p class="p" style="margin-top: 0;">Take a moment to consider your landscape’s water needs, and you will likely find that it will take far more than a one or two 55 gallon <a href="/rainbarrels">rain barrels</a> to keep your garden happy throughout the summer.</p>
<p class="p" style="margin-top: 0;">Though rain barrels are not the most effective conservation method – they will help save some water.  Learn how to save more water at <a href="/">www.conserveh2o.org</a>.</p>
<h1 style="margin-top: 0;"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/tout_ms4.jpg" width="65" height="65" /><span class="p">What Do You Know About H2O?</span></h1>
<p class="p" style="margin-top: 0;">The Consortium is excited to present its new "<a href="/kids/schools">What Do You Know About H2O?</a>" show which will be performed by <a href="http://www.madscience.org/AboutUs/index.aspx" target="_blank">Mad Science</a> at 25 area schools during the 2008-09 school year.  Geared toward 3rd–5th graders, the educational, interactive and entertaining show uses science to highlight the unique and magical attributes of water through hands-on activities that encourage kids to do their part to conserve water.</p>
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<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><strong>Dec. 4: OLCA Expo</strong><br />Landscape contractors and designers, visit our booth for water-efficient landscaping resources and info on our upcoming workshops. Consortium staff will also be presenting on Best Management Practices Water Efficient Landscaping at the Expo.</p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"> </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">Visit <a href="/news/eventcalendar">www.conserveh2o.org</a> for a complete list of FREE workshops and events.  Topics include a variety of waterwise and natural gardening tips and techniques.</p>
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<p class="h3" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;">The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler, but there are still plenty of tasks to tackle in your garden.</p>
<p class="h3" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;">Check out our <a href="/">website</a> for these and other fall conservation tips:</p>
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<div class="h3" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;"><strong>Maintain your mower</strong> by draining old gas and sharpening the blades.</div>
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<div class="h3" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;"><strong>Clean your gutters and downspouts</strong> to prevent clogging and overflow.</div>
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<div class="h3" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;"><strong>Look for leaks in water pipes</strong>, drains and valves. The leading household water waster is the toilet — so be sure to check there too!</div>
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<p class="h3" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;">Visit <a href="/">www.conserveh2o.org</a> for more water conservation tips.</p>
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<p><a href="/about"><img src="/images/news/1007/hl_rwpc.gif" alt="Regional Water Providers Consortium" width="225" height="70" /></a><br /><span class="p"><a href="/about">The Consortium</a> provides planning and management support for the Portland metro region's municipal water supplies. <a href="/about/contact">Contact us</a>.</span></p>
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<h4 class="h4">Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.</h4>
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