Conservation Tips & Links

For more information on how to save water at your home, visit www.h2ouse.org.

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Conservation Tips for Residents

Indoor Tip Estimated Savings

Run the dishwasher only when full 2-4.5 gallons per load

Turn off water when rinsing dishes. 2.5 gallons per minute

Turn off water when brushing teeth. 2 gallons per minute

Shorten showers. 2.5 gallons per minutes

Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket 1.6 gallons per flush

Wash only full loads of clothes. 15-50 gallons per load

Fix leaky toilets. 30-50 gallons per day per toilet.

Fix leaky faucets. 15-20 gallons per day per toilet

Install aerators with flow restrictors on Kitchen/bathroom faucets 4.7 gallons per day

Replace older, inefficient clothes washers. 20-30 gallons per load

(For information on $175 vouchers call 800-986-4538)

Replace older, high-volume flushing toilets. 2.2-3.8 gallons per flush

For more information on water wasted due to leaks, visit the WaterWiser Drip Calculator.

Landscape Irrigation Tip Estimated Savings

Water only before 6 a.m. and after 8 p.m. to reduce evaporation and

interference from wind. 20-25 gallons per day

Don’t overwater!

1. Reduce each irrigation cycle by 1-3 minutes, or

Eliminate one irrigation cycle per week. 15-25 gallons for each minute;

2. Water only after the top inch of soil is dry up to 250 gallons per cycle.

3. Reset irrigation controllers and replace batteries

In the spring and fall.

Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray and run-off. 15-25 gallons per day

Repair leaks and broken sprinkler heads. 20 gallons per day per leak

Add 2” to 3” of mulch around trees and plants to

reduce evaporation 20-30 gallons per day per 1,000 sq.ft.

Install water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs, and

Flowers to get water to the plant’s roots more efficiently. 20-25 gallons per day

Upgrade to a “smart irrigation controller” that automatically adjusts

Watering times for hotter weather, and shuts down the system

When it rains. 40 gallons per day

Replace a portion of lawn with beautiful native and California

friendly plants. NOTE: These plants do best when planted after

Winter rains begin. For great examples check out 33 to 60 gallons per day per

www.landscapecontest.com 1,000 sq. ft. depending on climate

Other Outdoor Ideas

Tip Estimated Savings

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks 20 gallons per minute

Adjust your pressure reducer ( if you have one) to keep pressure

Between 40 and 60 p.s.i. Varies

Don’t leave the hose running while washing your car. Get a self

Closing nozzle to make it easier 20 gallons per minute

Repair any leaks around the pool and spa pumps. 20 gallons per day per leak

Repair leaking hose bibs 15-20 gallons per day per leak

Install covers on pool and spas to reduce evaporation 30 gallons per day

Install pressure reducer if your pressure is greater than 80 p.s.i. Varies

Conservation Tips for Businesses

Landscape Tip Estimated Savings

Water only before 6 a.m. and after 8 p.m. to reduce

evaporation and interference from wind. 20-25 gallons per day

Don’t overwater landscaping.

1. Cut irrigation to 2 or 3 days per week, 15-25 gallons for each minute;

2. Water only after the top inch of soil is dry up to 250 gallons per cycle.

3. Reset irrigation controllers and replace batteries

In the spring and fall.

Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean

Driveway and sidewalks 150 gallons per day per valve

Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray and run-off 15-20 gallons per day per valve