Water Conservation - What you need to know

The year 2009 marks the third consecutive year of California drought. Water conservation is more than just an economic issue affecting your monthly bills. It is now necessary to conserve to ensure the continued availability of this precious resource. 

Local Municipalities Apply Water Restrictions and Conservation Measures

Some local cities are imposing fines for failure to comply with water conservation measures - check below to find listings for your city.

Upland  - failure to comply after third warning may result in fines ranging from $25 - $100.

California Department of Water Resources Drought Page

What steps can I take to conserve water?

Bathroom Tips

1. Put a sealed plastic bottle filled with pebbles in the toilet tank. This displaces water so that you are using less each time you flush. This can save several gallons of water per day!
2. Check you toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of red food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing there is a leak that needs repair. 
3. While you are waiting for the shower water to heat up, catch the cold water in a container to use elsewhere such as for plants.  
4. Turn off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth. This can save as much as 3 gallons per day!

Kitchen

1. Wash dishes by hand and use the least amount of detergent possible.  If you have twin sinks, use one for rinsing. Otherwise, use a nozzle attachment that allows you to spray water in short blasts.
2. Don't let water run while rinsing vegetables. Clean them in a pan of water.
3. Use the garbage disposal less and the garbage can more. The latter can be used for compost. 

Outdoors

1. Avoid watering the lawn and plants under conditions promoting high levels of evaporation such as during the heat of the day or on windy days. 
2. Set your lawnmower blades higher so the grass is slightly longer. Longer grass promotes less evaporation.
3. Recycle condensed water from your air conditioner. Direct the water drain line to plans or lawn.
4. Replace high water use plants with lower water use ones. Here is a list of low water use plants for different climate zones. 
5. Wash your car on the lawn. The rinse water can be used to water the grass.
6. Dispose of hazardous waste such as motor oil only at approved waste disposal sites. Improper dumping into sewers or drainage channels can contaminate thousands of gallons of water!