Outdoor
- Convert from high-water using lawns, trees, and shrubs to drought-tolerant plants
- Use your water sprinkler early in the morning
- Spring watering: 2 minutes, twice a day or 5 minutes once a day
- Summer watering hours: Water your lawn before 6:00 am and after 9:00pm
- Mulch around plants reducing evaporation and discouraging weeds
- Avoid runoff and make sure sprinklers cover just the lawn and garden, not sidewalk or driveways
- Do Not Water on windy days
- During the spring most plants need approximately half the amount needed in the summer
- Remove weeds and unhealthy plants so remaining plants can benefit from the water saved
- Sweep (never hose) your driveway, patio and sidewalk
- Lower pool water to reduce amount of water splashed out
- Install pool/spa covers to reduce evaporation: save up to 900 gallons/month
- Use a bucket of water and one short rinse to wash your car
- Adhere to outdoor watering schedule
- No outdoor watering for 48 hours after measurable rain
- No use of hoses without shut-off nozzles
- No use of non-recirculating water fountains and decorative features
- Landscape with drought tolerant/desert adaptive plants: save up to 1,000 gallons/month
- Check irrigation emitters, valves, and lines for clogs, leaks, and breaks
Indoor
- Install a low-flow shower head and take only a 5 minute shower or 3-inch bath
- Catch water in a bucket or watering can while waiting for water to get hot
- Fix all leaky toilets, faucets and pipes
- Flush toilets and use garbage disposer only when necessary
- Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth, and lathering in the shower
- Run only full loads in dishwasher and washing machine
Winter Tips
- Prep your water pipes to avoid water waste and costly repairs
- Shut off and drain irrigation systems and other outdoor water lines
- Ensure your home is well insulated to avoid cold air leaks near water pipes
- Insulate pipes located in unheated areas of your home such as the garage, crawl space and attic
