The State of California is experiencing a dry year, and Governor Newsom has declared a drought emergency in Sacramento County. Regional Water Authority, which represents 20 water providers in the Sacramento area, has adopted a resolution urging their members to consider actions to conserve water. Please continue your efforts to make water conservation a daily part of your routine by:
Residents: Indoor Tips
- Shut it off: Turn the tap water off when brushing your teeth.
- Update it! When you replace appliances choose water and energy efficient models. Watch the SCWA website for rebates opportunities toward the purchase of "efficient" products.
- Fix it: Repair leaky spigots, sprinkler heads, hoses and dripping faucets. One leaky drip per second wastes 6,000 gallons of water per year!
- Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket • 1.6 gallons per flush for ultra low flush toilets
- Run the dishwasher only when full • 2-4.5 gallons per load
- Don't leave water running while rinsing dishes • 2.5 gallons per minute (standard flow per minute sink faucet at 80 psi)
- Fill the bathtub halfway or less • Save 12.5 gallons (average bath is 25 gallons)
- Take five minute showers instead of 10 minute showers • Save 12.5 gallons with a water efficient showerhead (2.5 gallons per minute)
- Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving • Save approximately 10 gallons per day
- Wash only full loads of clothes • 15-45 gallons per load
- Fix leaky faucets • 15-20 gallons per day per leak
- Fix leaky toilets • 30-50 gallons per day per toilet
- Install a water-efficient clothes washer • Save: 15 gallons/load (average top loader is 30-40 gallons per load)
- Install a water- and energy-efficient dishwasher • Save: 3 to 8 gallons/load
- Install efficient, WaterSense-labeled shower heads • Save: 1 gallon per minute (or 10 gallons per average 10 minute shower)
- Install a high-efficiency WaterSense-labeled toilet (1.28 gallons per flush) • Save 19 gallons per person/day
- Install aerators on bathroom faucets • Save 1.2 gallons per person/day
Residents: Outdoor Tips
- Equip it! Attach automatic shut-off nozzles to your hoses to keep water from flowing freely.
- Check it! Check irrigation systems for leaks and repair as necessary.
- Sweep it, don't wash it away: When cleaning up fallen leaves, dirt and debris, use a broom, rake or leaf blower on sidewalks, driveways and patios rather than a hose.
- Recirculate it: Swimming pools, fountains and ponds should be equipped with recirculating pumps. There "water features" should also be checked annually for hidden leaks or other problems. Cover your pool to minimize evaporation.
- Sprinkle it wisely: Water only when needed and turn off automatic sprinklers!
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, sidewalks and patios • Save 5 gallons per minute
- Use an automatic shut-off nozzle on your hose • Save 5 gallons per minute
- Install a water-efficient drip irrigation system for your trees, shrubs and flowers • Save 15 gallons each time you water (for about 500 square feet landscape area)
- Add two to three inches of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation • Save 30 gallons each time you water per 1,000 square feet
- Quickly repair leaks and broken sprinkler heads • Save 20 gallons per day per leak
- Water your yard early in the morning or later at night • Save 50 gallons each time you water
- Plant low-water use trees and plants • Save 9 gallons per day, per 1,000 square feet
- Reduce each irrigation cycle by two minutes (five stations, watering three times weekly) or eliminate one cycle per week • Save 80 gallons per day
- Install a Water-Sense labeled, "Smart" irrigation controller that adjusts watering based upon weather, soil type, sun exposure (for example, full sun or part shade) and plant type • Save 100 to 150 gallons per day
For more information on water conservation, please visit the Regional Water Authority website.