Typically, when temperatures rise during the summertime, so does our outdoor water usage and, in turn, our water bills. If we’re being honest, this season is when we need to pay the most attention to our water usage, and be thoughtful about where our water goes. Why? No one likes a bigger bill, and California’s water dynamics require more long-term efficiency in this day and age. Our recent swing between severe drought and record rains indicate that our weather patterns are growing more unpredictable, so it is important to understand how you can manage your own water usage and be efficient for the long-term – regardless of what the weather might be today. For our region, here are a few handy summertime tips to help you use water wisely at home.
Let’s tap into indoor water saving tips first:
- Use your dishwasher to clean a full load of dishes rather than letting water run in the sink while you wash them by hand. A single dishwasher load could use only three gallons of water, when handwashing dishes typically needs close to 30 gallons!
- Turn off the water as you brush your teeth! Allowing the water to run while you brush your teeth could use up to five gallons of water.
- Minimize your shower to five minutes. Pro tip: pick one favorite song to shower with to help you keep time and improve your mood.
- Find those silent water wasting leaks (read our previous blog on how to capture them).
- Compost food scraps rather than running them through the garbage disposal.
Time for outdoor water saving tips:
- Have a dusty or dirty looking patio? Use a broom to brush away the dirt rather than a water hose.
- Install a drip irrigation system or smart controller to adjust the water schedule when necessary. Not only are they more efficient, but they take the manual and guess work out of scheduling your sprinklers.
- Fill a bucket with water and soapy sponge to wash your car, or run it through an automatic car wash, rather than using a hose. Automatic car washes use almost 10 times less water than an at-home hose car wash.
- Place a large bucket outside during rainstorms to capture water to use for plants.
- Water plants early in the morning or late at night to ensure water does not evaporate, causing ineffective watering.
- Revamp your landscape with California native plants which thrive with minimal water.
- Use a layer of organic mulch around your plants to reduce water evaporation. Bonus: Check out the Chino Basin Water Conservation District website for their next free mulch and compost giveaway!
- Check out your local water provider’s website for rebate programs on water conservation landscaping.
Be smarter with your water conservation efforts this summer and encourage others to apply these water saving tips!
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