Ten things that will save the most water
1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass. If it
springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. So set
your sprinklers for more days in between watering. Saves 750-1,500
gallons per month. Better yet, especially in times of drought, water
with a hose. And best of all, convert your lawn to native plants.
2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Saves up to 600 gallons per
month for every leak stopped.
3. Don't run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and
a quick hose rinse at the end. Saves 150 gallons each time. For a
two-car family that's up to 1,200 gallons a month.
4. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors. Saves 500 to
800 gallons per month.
5. Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. Saves 300
to 800 gallons per month.
6. Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up
to 700 gallons per month.
7. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Saves
150 gallons or more each time. At once a week, that's more than 600
gallons a month.
8. Don't use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. Saves 400 to 600
gallons per month.
9. Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the
pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants or
your garden. Saves 200 to 300 gallons per month.
10. Don't water the sidewalks, driveway, or gutter. Adjust your
sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden where it
belongs--and only there. Saves 500 gallons per month
Water
Conservation Links
WHY CONSERVE?
Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to
reduce our demand for water. This stretches our supplies farther, and protects
areas like East Niles. For example, the city of Los Angeles has grown by 1
million people since the 1970s, but still uses the same amount of water. Using
less water also puts less pressure on our sewage treatment facilities, and uses
less energy for water heating.
THE WATER AND ENERGY CONNECTION
Saving water also saves energy. 6.5% of the energy used in the state of
California is for pumping and treating water--in fact, pumping water south (and
uphill) in the State Water Project accounts for 2-3% of all the electricity used
in the state. And for your personal energy bill, using less hot water saves on
water heating. On the flip side, saving energy and using alternative energy
saves water--electricity production from fossil fuels and nuclear energy is
responsible for 39% of all freshwater withdrawals in the nation.
WHAT CAN I DO?
There are many effective ways to conserve water in and around your home.
Look through this list for ways that will work for you.
Important Links to Water Conservation:
AGENCIES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Water Association of Kern County
California Department of Water Resources
California Public Utilities Commission
California Water Resources Control Board
US Interior Department, Bureau of Reclamation
OTHER WATER CONSERVATION SITES
Cal Water Srv, Conservation Info
