Conserve Water.
Rain or Shine.

Simple shifts to conserve in our daily lives can make a big difference. Here are some simple actions you can take to help reduce water use inside and outside your home.

Fill Bathtub Halfway or Less

Save 17–25 gallons per day

Filling up your bathtub halfway or less can save 17-25 gallons of water per person every bath.

Fix Leaks

Save 27–90 gallons per day

Even a leak the size of a ballpoint pen can add up to thousands of gallons of water wasted! Fixing leaks inside and outside the home can save 27 to 90 gallons of water each day.

Turn Off Water When Brushing Teeth or Shaving

Save 8 gallons per day

By turning off the water when brushing teeth or shaving you can save 8 gallons of water per person per day.

Install High-Efficiency Toilets

Save 6– 35 gallons per day

Installing high-efficiency toilets can save 6-35 gallons per day.

Recycle Indoor Water and Irrigate Your Garden

Save 30% water use

Recycling indoor water to use outdoors can cut water use by 30%.

Take 5-minute Showers

Save 12.5 gallons per shower

Keeping showers under 5 minutes can save 12.5 gallons per shower when using a water-efficient showerhead.

Install Aerators

Save 0.7 gallons Per Minute

Installing aerators can save .7 gallons per minute.

Wash Full Loads of Clothes and Dishes

Save 27–90 gallons per day

Washer: saves 15–45 gallons per load. Dishwasher: saves 5–15 gallons per load.

Around the House

Simple habits to help reduce water use inside your home

Reimagine Your Yard with Water-Wise Plants

Save 30–60 gallons

Consider removing your lawn and replacing it with drought-resistant plants to save 30–60 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. each time you water. Plant California Native Plants because they require half as much water.

Install Drip Irrigation & Add a Smart Controller

Save 15 gallons

Installing a drip irrigation system and a smart controller for your trees, shrubs and flowers can save 15 gallons each time you water.

Prioritize Watering in Your Yard

Feed your vegetables and fruits water first because they feed you! Water-wise plants and shade trees use little or no water once established. Thirsty plants such as lawn and container plants are the lowest priority.

Use a Broom or Leaf Blower to Clean Outdoor Areas

Save 6 gallons

Using a broom to clean outdoor areas can save 6 gallons every minute you’re not running the hose.

Plant Drought-Resistant Trees and Plants

Save 30–60 gallons

Using drought-resistant plants and trees can save 30–60 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water. Check with your local water agency on the best plants for your area. It is best to use water-wise, California-native plants when possible.

Set Lawnmower Blades to 3 inches

Save 16–50 gallons

Setting mower blades to three inches encourages deeper roots and saves 16–50 gallons per day.

Adjust Sprinkler Heads & Fix Leaks

Save 12–15 gallons

Saves 12–15 gallons each time you water and a leak about as small as the tip of a ballpoint pen can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month!

Use Mulch

Save 20–30 gallons

Using mulch can save 20–30 gallons of water per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water.

Around the Yard

Simple habits to help reduce water use outside your home

Prioritize Your Trees

Even if a municipality imposes watering restrictions, you’ll likely be able to properly water trees. Remember, trees are an investment. It will take more water, time, and money to replace a mature tree lost to drought than to keep alive.

Check Your Soil

Check soil moisture to see if it’s time to water. The easiest way is to use a long screwdriver and poke the soil. It will pass easily into moist soil, but be difficult to push into dry soil. If you can’t poke it in at least 6″, it’s time to water.

Watering Young Trees

Young trees (0-3 yrs) need 5 gallons of water 2 -4 times per week. Create a small watering basin with a berm of dirt. Drill a small hole in the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket, place it near the tree, fill it with water, and let it slowly drain. If soil drains slowly, knock down berm in winter.

Watering Established Trees

For established trees (3+ yrs), slowly soak the root zone under the canopy until water soaks 12-18 inches below the surface. Do not water close to the trunk. Use a soaker hose, a sprinkler hose attachment on a low setting, or other watering systems.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!

4-6 inches of mulch or leaf litter improves vigor and helps retain moisture, reducing water needs and protecting your trees. Keep mulch from trunks and stems. Mulch also does not compete for water (like lawns) or radiate heat (like rocks).

Limit Pruning and Fertilizer

Avoid pruning or fertilizing trees during dry seasons. Lack of water and too much pruning both stress your tress. Fertilizer encourages leafy growth, which requires more water.

Soak Slowly to Avoid Run-Off

Watering faster than soil can soak it in leads to runoff and waste. Long, slow soaks allows water to go deeper. Place watering system above the trees if on a slope so water flows and soaks around the tree (but not close to the trunk). Use a hose timer so you don’t leave the hose on.