Conservation Tips & Links
Help Your Trees Survive the Drought and Why Save Trees and more ways to save trees
For more information on how to save water at your home, visit www.h2ouse.org.
.
Conservation Tips for Residents
Indoor Tip Estimated SavingsRun 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 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/hydrozone Upgrade to a “smart irrigation controller” that automatically adjusts Watering times for hotter weather, and shuts down the system When it rains. 525 gallons/30 station controller 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