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With state-wide population growth and global climate changes, the demand for water has never been greater. We can't make more rain fall, so we all must change our habits to ensure that we have sufficient water, now and for the future. Water conservation doesn't mean big sacrifices. A few small changes every day can add up to big savings
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WATER SAVING TIPS |
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| ...Inside the Home | ...Outside the Home | ...For Kids |
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Saving Water Inside the Home |
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| Kitchen and Laundry |
- Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000
gallons a month. - Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. Faucet repair can save up to 300 gallons a month.
- Faucet aerator devices are inexpensive and can reduce water flow by 50%. Talk to your plumber about other ways to slow the flow from taps.
- Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
- Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
- If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink.
Drop them in a house plant instead.
- When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain.
Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
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| Bathroom |
- Turn off the water while you shave. Save up to 300 gallons a month.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Save 25 gallons a month.
- Turn off the water while you wash your hair. Save up to 150 gallons a month.
- To save water and time, consider washing your face while in the shower.
- A water-efficient showerhead can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
Pick up a free showerhead at the District office.
- While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels for several days.
- When washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
- Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up. Use this water to flush toilets
or water plants.
- Upgrade older toilets with water-efficient models.
- Shorten your shower by a minute or two. Save up to 150 gallons per month.
- When running a bath, plug the tub before turning on the water on, then adjust the temperature
as the tub fills.
- If you want a long soak - take a bath; it can be relaxing and uses less water than a 10minute shower.
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Saving Water Outside the Home |
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| In the Garden |
- Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes
and isolated strips.
- Use drip irrigation to apply water directly to the roots of shrubs and trees.
- For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink and eliminate water overflow.
- If water runs off your lawn easily, split the watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
- Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather run off the surface.
- Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
- Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they reach the soil.
- Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose discharges up to 10 gallons a minute.
- To minimize evaporation, water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. On windy days, wait till it calms down before watering.
- Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
- Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture, using a spade or trowel. If the soil is moist two inches under the surface, you can wait to water.
- When you have ice left in your cup, don't throw it down the sink or in the trash; pour it on a plant.
- When backwashing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
- After cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
- Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time, and money.
- Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
- Regularly check and adjust sprinklers for overspray so you’re not watering the house, sidewalk, or street.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk. Save 150 gallons of water every time.
- Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.
- Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. Save up to 100 gallons every time. Better yet, go to a commercial car wash where they recycle the water. By doing this, you will also keep chemicals and detergents from ending up in the San Francisco Bay via the storm drains.
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