Everyone can play an important role in water awareness and conservation in California.

Long-term conservation is a good way to stretch available water supplies. Urban residents are putting into practice the steps of taking shorter showers, using low-flow showerheads and turning off the tap while brushing their teeth. California farmers are using a variety of conservation efforts, including controlled sprinkler systems and drip irrigation for watering, along with laser land-leveling, which helps to achieve uniform water distribution. Businesses, homes, fish and wildlife all need water, so conservation measures must be implemented to maximize the water we have available.

Simple actions, such as watering lawns in the morning or evening and taking shorter showers, can add up to water savings. However, these efforts alone are not enough to offset the collective impacts affecting water supplies. The state has an unbalanced distribution of precipitation. That means the northern part of the state receives much more rain and snow than the southern portion. California must have a comprehensive water plan that includes construction of facilities to deliver water through or around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the construction of new water storage facilities.

In the Garden

• Avoid overwatering garden plants and lawn.
• For best results, try to water in the morning when evaporation is at a minimum.
• Plant drought-resistant trees and plants when replacing existing landscape.
• Water plants only when they need it.
• Adjust your timers around the seasons, and don’t use your sprinklers on windy days or within two days of rain.
• Consider a water-saving drip irrigation system that provides a slow, steady supply of water to the garden.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation.
• Make it a routine to check for broken, leaking or clogged sprinklers.

Driveways/Walkways

• Avoid washing down paved areas. Sweep sidewalks and driveways with a broom.
• When washing a car, use a bucket of water. Use the hose only when rinsing.
• Repair dripping faucets. As much as 15 gallons of water a day can be wasted by one small leak.
• Attach a nozzle to your hose which can be shut off or adjusted to a fine spray.

In the Bathroom

• Install an ultra low-flow toilet.
• Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.
• Install a low-flow shower head and take shorter showers.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving.
• Check faucets and pipes for leaks.

In the Kitchen

• Use a dishwasher for full loads only.
• When cleaning produce, use a brush and a bowl full of water.
• When washing dishes by hand, instead of running water continuously, fill wash and rinse basins with water.
• Check faucets and pipes for leaks.

Cleaning/Household Chores

• Use a pail or basin instead of running water.
• When doing laundry, use the load selector to match the water level to size of load, or do only full loads.
• If considering buying a new washing machine, purchase a front loading washer, which uses 1/3 less water than a top loader.
• When cleaning grills and oven parts, presoak overnight.