Conservation Tips
Conserving water doesn't have to mean a major lifestyle change - or taking a chunk of your budget. It can be as simple as taking a shorter shower or turning off the water while you brush your teeth.
Need some ideas? Here are some simple tips that can help you save water around your home.
Around the Yard
- Use only as much water as your yard needs. If your grass springs back when you step on it, it doesn't need to be watered. Check out www.bewaterwise.com for a watering calculator that can help you use only as much as you need.
- Don't water the sidewalks or the gutter. Make sure your sprinklers are aimed on the grass.
- Replace a portion of your lawn with California Friendly, drought-tolerant plants. This can save you up to 1,800 gallons per month.
- Install a "smart" sprinkler controller that determines the correct amount of water based on your plants and the weather conditions.
- Instead of using a hose to wash your car, use a bucket and low-flow spray nozzle.
- You can save up to 150 gallons of water by using a broom to clean sidewalks and driveways instead of a hose.
Around the House
- A leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons per day. Check your faucets, plumbing joints and sprinkler systems to make sure you aren't wasting water.
- Shorten your showers. Even a two-minute reduction can save you up to 700 gallons of water per month.
- Turn off the water when you're not using it while brushing your teeth, washing your face or taking a shower.
- Don't use the toilet as a waste basket.
- Running only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine can save you up to 800 gallons per month.
- The most water-consuming machine in the house is the washing machine. By replacing it with a high-efficiency model, you can conserve water and energy.
- Upgrade to an Ultra-Low-Flush or High-Efficiency Toilet, which use 1.2-1.6 gallons per flush as compared to older models that use 7 gallons per flush.