Tips on Conserving Water

It’s no secret that California is running low on water. Images of dry reservoirs, shrinking lakes and dead almond trees are popping up everywhere online.

This is the fourth year the golden state is in a drought, one of the worst on record. Last April, California Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order requiring water companies to reduce water use by 25 percent. Residents of the state will have to step up their water conservation game.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti launched the #Droughthack Campaign in November 2014 to educate Angelinos on water conservation.  “Protecting our environment and overcoming our drought requires all of us to take action,” said Garcetti.  Residents are encouraged to replace their lawn with low water landscaping. By doing so, those who qualify for the incentive can receive up to $3.75 per square foot.

You don’t have to be an Angelino to implement some of these water saving tips. Here’s how you can conserve water and reduce your water bill:

1. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and shaving. This tip can save you up 10 gallons a day.
2. Water your lawn at night. The water won’t evaporate as fast. If you want to go the extra mile, plant your yard with plants that are native to your area.
3. Take five minute showers and install water efficient shower heads. You can save up to 15 gallons a day shortening your showers. If you are up for the challenge and brave enough, turn off the water while shampooing and lathering.
4. Drip, drip, drip. Fixing leaks around the home can significantly reduce your water bill. According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency, nationwide, more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year. An American home can waste, on average, more than 11,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks.
5. Collect rain water. You can use rainwater to hydrate plants in your garden and in your home.
6. Don’t hose down your driveway.  Instead, reach for the broom.
7. Cover up your pool. Summer is right around the corner. Using a pool cover can help reduce evaporation and save up to 40,000 gallons per year.
8. Don’t pre-rinse your dirty dishes. Pre-rinsing dishes can easily waste more than 6,000 gallons of water per household each year. Have some faith in your dishwasher. “Dishwashers are made to do dirty jobs so just scrape the excess food from the plates and let the machine do the rest of the work,” says Consumer Reports.