Conservation Tips for Residents
Legend: No cost - Easy to do
Low cost – More effort required
Higher cost - Most effort required
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 how to save water at your home, visit www.h2ouse.org.
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
www.landscapecontest.com
