Saving our water is saving our future.

Let’s Make it Last, California

Californians have made great progress in recent years embracing wise water use as a daily habit. But our state's water future remains uncertain due to precipitation variability and a changing climate. It is more critical than ever that Californians work together to Save Our Water and make the world a better place for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

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Current Challenge

Preserving our Trees

We need trees, and trees need water. During extended dry periods, it is important to keep them properly irrigated to preserve our needed canopy while saving water. Some water-wise techniques include: watering early in the morning, placing a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture, watering mature tress 1-2 times per month, and avoiding over pruning.

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Photo Gallery

Sunjoy Gold Pillar Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is an ornamental shrub that is considered water-wise or drought tolerant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
Barberry Orange Rocket (Berberis thunbergii) is a fast-growing ornamental shrub that is considered water-wise or drought tolerant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
Trailing Lantana (Lantana sellowiana) is an evergreen shrub that is considered water-wise or drought tolerant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
Golden Spirit Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria) is a deciduous shrub that is considered water-wise or drought tolerant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
Golden Sphere (Coreopsis) is a flowering perennial that is considered water-wise or drought tolerant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
Angel Red Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an edible fruit tree that is considered water-wise or drought tolerant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
Geranium (Pelargonium) is a flowering plant that is considered water-wise or drought tolerant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
Spotted White Rock Rose (Cistus x aguilarii) is a flowering plant that is considered a firescaping plant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
Creeping Myoporum (Myoporum parvifolium) is an evergreen ground-cover that is considered water-wise or drought tolerant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
Lo & Behold Blue Chip Dwarf Summer Lilac (Buddlejais) is a deciduous shrub that is considered water-wise or drought tolerant and it is available at local nurseries in California. Photo taken May 12, 2016. Kelly M. Grow / California Department of Water Resources
The California Department of Water Resources displays water efficient gardens and step-by-step examples of how to replace grass turf in the Kaiser Permanente Farm at the California State Fair in Sacramento, Calif. on July 8, 2016.
A gardener mulches the plants to help reduce watering in Smartsville, Calif. on June 26th, 2014. Kelly M. Grow/ California Department of Water Resources
Mulch on the plants and micro irrigation to help reduce watering in Smartsville, Calif. on June 26th, 2014. Kelly M. Grow/ California Department of Water Resources
Drip emitters are an effective way to water your plants and trees. Photo illustration taken February 20, 2014. John Chacon / California Department of Water Resources
A home garden in the South Land Park area of Sacramento, California, features lavender and California poppies, during the Sacramento Valley Native Plant Garden Tour. Photo taken April 27, 2019. Florence Low / California Department of Water Resources, FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY
A home garden in the South Land Park area of Sacramento, California, features yellow evening primroses, during the Sacramento Valley Native Plant Garden Tour. Photo taken April 27, 2019. Florence Low / California Department of Water Resources, FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY
A home garden in the South Land Park area of Sacramento, California, features native plants such as a variety of salvias, during the Sacramento Valley Native Plant Garden Tour. Photo taken April 27, 2019. Florence Low / California Department of Water Resources, FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY
A home garden in the South Land Park area of Sacramento, California, features native plants such as rosa altissimo, or climbing rose, during the Sacramento Valley Native Plant Garden Tour. Photo taken April 27, 2019. Florence Low / California Department of Water Resources, FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY
A home garden in the Fabulous 40s area of Sacramento, California, features drought tolerant irises with white and purple flowers. Photo taken April 27, 2019. Florence Low / California Department of Water Resources, FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY
A home garden in the Fabulous 40s area of Sacramento, California, features drought tolerant irises with purple flowers in their front yard. Photo taken April 27, 2019. Florence Low / California Department of Water Resources, FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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