No matter where our water comes from, water conservation is part of our future. Water conservation is good for the watershed and your wallet: using water wisely saves you money. Here are some effective measures for conserving water at home:

Top water conservation tips

• Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass. If it springs back, when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. Setting your sprinklers for more days in between watering. saves 750-1,500 gallons per month. Better yet, especially in times of drought, water with a hose.

• Fixing leaky faucets and plumbing joints saves 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.

• Installing water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors saves 500 to 800 gallons per month.

• Running only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher saves 300 to 800 gallons per month.

• Shortening your showers, for even one or two minutes can save up to 700 gallons per month.

• Using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks saves 150 gallons or more each time (more than 600 gallons a month if you do it once a week).

•  Not using your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket saves 400 to 600 gallons per month, plus it’s easier on your septic system.

• Replace high volume flush toilets. Modern, low-flush models use less than 1/3 the water of old models, saving about 8,500 gallons per year for the average single-family household.

• Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on houseplants or your garden. This saves 200 to 300 gallons per month.

• Don't water the sidewalks, driveway or gutter. Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs–and only there. You’ll save 500 gallons per month.

• If you have a pool, use a pool cover to cut down on evaporation. It will keep your pool cleaner and reduce the need to add chemicals, while saving 1,000 gallons a month.

• When it’s time for a new washing machine, buy a water-saving model. Water-wise machines use 1/3 less water, half the energy, and require less detergent and washing additives.

• Practice water-wise gardening:

1.  Mulch. Place a 2 to 4 inch layer of organic matter, like compost, ground bark, or wood shavings around the base of plants. Mulching cools the soil, slows evaporation, and reduces unwanted weeds.

2.  Use timers. Forgetting to turn off the water results in a great deal of waste. There are many timers available, from high-tech irrigation controllers to mechanical hose-end shut-offs that will help prevent water waste. Even setting a simple kitchen timer can remind you to turn off sprinklers.

3.  Use drip irrigation. Drip irrigation applies water slowly, directly to the root area, reducing evaporation and eliminating runoff. 

4.  Maintain sprinklers. Check sprinklers when they are running and then make adjustments to prevent over-spray. Fix all leaks and broken sprinklers.

5.  Check the washers on all your hose bibs, and install multiple pattern hose nozzles on every hose. These simple steps will stop leaks, which waste water, drop by drop.

6.  Control weeds. They compete with desirable plants for moisture and soil nutrients.

Water Conservation Resources

• Solano Irrigation District

707-448-6847

www.sidwater.org

• American Leak Detection

800-900-LEAK (5325)

http://www.americanleakdetection.com/index.php