Last Updated on September 24, 2015 by admin

Water conservation in California is more important than ever. During a historic drought, Governor Brown issued an executive order mandating substantial water reductions across our state. Everyone should know how to save water, whether at home, on the lawn, or at work. No matter what time or place, there is always an opportunity to be water efficient. To help everyone out, we found the best advice and tips from official sources and around the web. Share them with friends and neighbors!

To understand how bad the problem is, check out these pictures of drought impacted areas.

How to Save Water in the Kitchen

Wait for a full load before running a dishwasher cycle.

Use a dishwasher instead of washing by hand.

Program dishwashers to skip the pre-rinse and extra-rinse cycles.

Save even more water by converting to a water and energy efficient model of dishwasher.

Soak dishes with baked on food in hot soapy water. After a few minutes, wipe the food off with a sponge.

When washing by hand, try filling one side of the sink with soapy water for washing and the other side with clean water for rinsing.

Use a single glass or water bottle for water consumption throughout the day. This will reduce the number of glasses to wash at the end of the day.

An instant water heater reduces energy costs and water waste. No more having to run the water and waiting for it to get hot. Check out the video below to learn about instant/tankless water heaters.

Save the running water when waiting for hot water and use it for other things such as watering plants or cooking.

Make compost from food waste and plant matter. Once it breaks down into humus, it can be used to in the garden to add nutrients to depleted soil.

Use refrigerators and appliances that use air-cooling instead of water-cooling. Not only are they more efficient, they can save money in the long-term.

When preparing fruits and vegetables, wash them in a pan or bowl instead of using running water. Once finished, use the water for houseplants.

Give frozen meats time to thaw out in the refrigerator instead of placing them under running water.

Don’t throw away those ice cubes! If they fall on the floor or are leftover from an ice cold drink, toss them into a houseplant and put them to use.

For that matter, get rid of superfluous, decorative house plants!

Place the lid on your pots and pans to prevent water loss from evaporation. Most lids have an escape valve to release steam pressure.

Use a pressure cooker to make the most of even just a small amount of water.

Make sure a pan is the right size for the job when cooking. Cooking with less water also helps retain nutrients.

Don’t throw away water left over from steaming vegetables. Use it as a base for a nutritious soup. Water from cooked foods can also be an option.

Check the sink faucet regularly for leaks.

Consider contracting a “Green” Plumber. They go through an international training and accreditation program that focuses on the use of energy efficient and water saving technologies.

How to Save Water in the Bathroom

Cutting shower time in half can have dramatic reductions in water waste. Only a minute less of shower time every day can reduce water use by up to 150 gallons a month. Keeping it under 5 minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons per month. That’s nothing to take lightly!

Consider installing a steam shower, they use much less water and are very relaxing. Shop for steam showers available from Trade Winds Imports.

Install a low flow or WaterSense showerhead for even more saving. There are even showerheads with a switch to turn water flow on and off without having to readjust the temperature. That way you can more easily turn off the shower while you lather up or wash your hair. Get more information on WaterSense showerheads.

Since baths are more wasteful, short showers under five minutes are recommended. But if you choose to take a bath, consider only filling the tub halfway or less. Check out this useful fact sheet on showers and baths from the Portland Water Bureau.

Before running a bath, first plug the drain and then adjust the water temperature as the tub fills.

A good way to test your shower is to use a one-gallon bucket. If the shower can fill the bucket in twenty seconds or less than the water flow is high. Consider replacing the shower head with a WaterSense or low-flow model.

Reuse your towels instead of washing them after single use.

Check the shower head regularly for leaks.

How To Save Water at the Bathroom Sink

Install aerators on all faucets, they are very good for saving water.

Instead of leaving the water running, plug the sink first and use water collected to rinse your razor. This can save twice as much water per month as shutting off the water while washing your hair.

Don’t leave water running while brushing teeth.

Don’t leave water running while washing hands.

Check the faucet regularly for leaks.

How to Save Water on Toilets

Look for high-efficiency toilets on the market that also qualify for rebates. Most of our dual-flush toilets fit the bill!

Dual-flush toilets have separate flush settings for solids and liquids, using less water for the latter. Here is an in-depth look on how dual-flush toilets work and how to install them.

Instead of flushing tissues down the toilet, toss them in the wastebasket. This can also help with reduce clogs in the plumbing.

To test for leaks, use food coloring in the reservoir and check to see if it reaches the bowl. If it does, there is a leak.

Your toilet flapper inside the reservoir is often a culprit in water waste. Check it often to make sure it closes properly after flushing. Adjustable flappers save water by matching the settings of a specific toilet.

How to Save Water Doing Laundry

Use cold water when washing dark clothing. This not only helps save water but saves energy too. Your clothes will last longer because colors fade less over time.

Water-efficient washers can save up to 16 gallons per load. Check out this shopping guide on high efficiency washers from Consumer Reports.

Be sure to compare water savings on Energy Star models when shopping for washing machines. Some are much more efficient than others.

How to Save Water Outside

Consider replacing natural turf with artificial turf.

Use a drip irrigation system that allows water to sink deep into the soil, where it will evaporate less. Just be sure to turn it off when it rains.The water used by an irrigation system is measured in gallons per hour, compared to traditional sprinklers measured in gallons per minute. Get more information on irrigation systems.

If the irrigation system has dry spots, water those by hand instead of running the system longer.

Check irrigation systems during spring to ensure they work efficiently when needed most.

Be sure to know how to shut off watering systems in case of an emergency, and be prepared to do so in case of any water-wasting problems.

A rain sensor connected to an irrigation controller will stop irrigation systems automatically when it rains.

Consider hiring a professional to install irrigation systems to ensure they work properly and most efficiently.

Reduce water loss from evaporation by watering in the early morning when temperatures are lower.

Make sure soil is absorbing water and not running off. Check out this guide on how to control and re-direct excess water runoff.

If there is a lot of run off while watering, try splitting your watering time so the soil has time to absorb.

Look for sprinklers that shoot large drops of water so they won’t evaporate before hitting the ground.

Plants die much more often from over-watering. Be sure to water when they need it. If leaves turn lighter shades of green or yellow that is a sign of over-watering. Look out for fungi and algae too.

Use ice cubes on hanging plants to prevent overflowing and leaking.

Proper pruning helps plants use water efficiently.

A great way to keep soil cool for plants and trees is by placing a layer of mulch. This will also help with evaporation, improve the soil, and prevent weeds.

Different types of plants require different amounts of watering. Group same types together to prevent overwatering and underwatering.

Plant grass in areas that are easy to water instead of inclines and isolated spaces.

Set the height of your mower to two inches. This keeps grass tall enough to keep the soil cool and hold moisture. Leaving lawn clippings on the grass does the same thing.

Regularly aerate lawns with holes every six inches to allow water to penetrate the soil and reach roots.

Maintenance of sprinkler systems are important because you want to maintain the water in the areas that need it. Your sidewalk doesn’t need to be watered, neither does the side of the house.

Be careful not to overwater. A good way to tell when to water your lawn is to walk across it. If footprints are visible from bent grass then it is time to water.

During the winter, allow the lawn to go dormant and brown. It will need to be watered less.

Avoid watering on windy days when evaporation is high.

Good weed maintenance keeps other plants from competing with them for sun, water, and soil.

Apply only the minimum amount of fertilizer to prevent excess water consumption.

During the winter, water lawns every five days and every three days during the summer.

Talk to a plumber about diverging greywater for irrigation needs. Be sure to check with the city for any required permits.

Use gutters and downspouts to direct runoff to plants and trees that need it.

Test your sprinklers by placing a tuna can on your lawn. If it fills more than an inch, they are using too much water.

Any homeowner understands the burden of keeping a clean driveway and/or patio. Instead of using the hose to wash down these areas, try using a broom instead. It will require more effort but the savings in water are considerable, from 8 to 18 gallons per minute. That’s a lot of water!

Water brooms use the power of air and water pressure to be able to clean outdoor surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Much like a pressure hose, but more efficient.

Water runoff is wasteful. Try to use materials that are porous on driveways, patios, and walkways. This will keep water in your soil instead of running down the street and into the sewer drain.

Instead of having more lawn to water, try planting more shrubs and groundcovers that are appropriate for the region.

Consider using a rain barrel to collect rainwater and use it for landscaping.

Use water after cleaning a fish tank to water non-edible plants. Water from fishtanks is nutrient rich.

Use old water from the pet watering bowl and use it to water plants.

Drought resistant plants and trees conserve a lot over time and look great in their natural California setting. Look for species that are native to the region. Check out this visual guide on drought resistant plants in California.

Water needs are lower in the spring and fall so consider waiting until then to plant.

Water meters are a great tool so learn to read it. Then compare your daily water use with others your neighbors to see how you stack up. Learn how to read a water meter and calculate usage.

Water providers sometimes provide landscaping workshops. Check in the spring and fall when they are popular.

Check faucets, pipes, and hoses regularly for leaks.

How to Save Water Washing Cars

When washing cars, try using a bucket and rags instead of spraying it with the hose. If you must, use a hose with a self-closing nozzle or turn it off manually while washing.

Consider going to a commercial car wash that recycles its water.

Wash cars on the lawn and keep water where it is needed. Same thing goes for pets.

Use a timer as a reminder to turn off the hose if you must leave it running.

How to Save Water on Pool Maintenance

Pool covers will keep the pool clean, reducing chemical use and preventing evaporation.

Check and verify the pool uses a recirculating pump.

Check the pool regularly for leaks, especially if it uses an automatic refilling device.

Use water from pool backwashing on salt-tolerant plants.

Consider removing or turning off waterfalls and sprays because they have heavy water loss from evaporation.

Keep water levels low to prevent water loss from splashing.

Consider going to a community pool instead of building or maintaining your own.

Check and test your pool for leaks by using a grease pencil to measure water levels.

How to Save Water at Work.

Look into water recycling if the type of business uses processed water.

Consider replacing old toilets with updated models with WaterSense technology or waterless urinals. WaterSense models are inspected to meet the EPA’s requirements for water efficiency and performance.

Plumbing fixtures wear down and cause leaks. Be sure to plan ahead and put aside a budget to maintain and replace them when necessary.

Advise employees to keep an eye out and report anything that looks wasteful.

Reward employees that make a difference to reduce water waste.

Allow employees to offer suggestions for conservation.

Inform employees about information in water reports to keep them updated on progress towards conservation goals.

Put water saving tips in the company newsletter or make a flyer to pass out amongst employees.

Appoint someone in charge of monitoring the company’s water conservation program.

Test employees on their knowledge about water saving to determine where to focus education efforts.

Post directions and phone number for employees to contact maintenance if they spot leaks in the building.

Instruct maintenance personnel to do regular checks for leaks and drips in and out of the building.

The monthly water bill is a great resource for getting information about water usage. Be mindful of spikes in usage.

Water meters are a useful tool for detecting leaks. If the meter still runs when all fixtures are turned off, there is a leak somewhere.

Use submeters to determine how water is being distributed and monitor it.

Monitor water use between facilities and compare the results regularly.

Just like at home, consider landscaping with drought-resistant plants and trees.

Instead of brewing coffee in large batches, try smaller ones to ensure all the coffee is drank instead of thrown away.

Make suggestions to your employer if there are more things they can do to save water.

Invite conservation organizations to come and educate employees.

Demonstrate a commitment to conservation by implementing it into company policy, committing everyone to the cause.

Reward employees that help meet conservation goals.

Check for rebates for upgrading to water efficient products and services. Be sure the rebates are applicable to your state. Look for rebate programs in California.

To ensure evaporative coolers are working at their most efficient, be sure to do a regular maintenance check.

Use fountains only during work hours. Use a timer to shut them off automatically.

Instead of maintaining them, consider converting fountains into an art feature or planter.

Take company vehicles to local car washes that recycle water. Stretch the time between washes as long as possible.

Direct water from evaporative coolers to plants that need it.

Make sure water is flowing only to the parts of the facility where people need it. This avoids leaks in areas that don’t have human traffic and can go unaccounted for.

Check faucets regularly for leaks.

Water Saving Tips for Kids

Turn off faucets and water fountains tightly after every use.

When playing outside on a hot day, place the sprinkler where water is needed.

Talk to your local government or school officials to create programs that educate children on water conservation.

Make saving water into a game and reward children for doing their part.

Discourage the use of water toys that must be refilled constantly.

Make suggestions to schools if there is more they can do save water.

Use educational videos designed for kids.

General Water Saving Tips

Keep in contact with your local water provider and government to report leaking hydrants and sprinklers and broken pipes.

In case of an emergency, know where the water shut-off valve is located on the property.

Always compare water usage between models when purchasing appliances.

Check local resources for water saving tips and programs specific to that area.

When shopping for appliances, look out for models that can adjust for different cycle lengths and load sizes.

Educate residents and neighbors by posting water conservation information in common areas.

Now that you have this information, be sure to put it to good use and help California during this very critical period. This beautiful state does so much for us, is it too much to ask for our help? It’s not necessary to do everything on this list but even just a tip or two can go a long way. Especially for all the shower hogs out there!

About The Author

Cheryl Khan is a contributing author to Trade Winds Imports. She is passionate about the design industry, as well as taking care of the environment.

Sources

Advice from California Water Agencies

A Comprehensive Collection of Tips

Governor Brown’s Website