We’re nearing the end of the 2014\/15 rainy season, but with another year of low rain, reservoirs remain low.\u00a0 Many creeks are still dry, and ponds in some public parks have been allowed to dry up.\u00a0 As one example of the drought’s severity, the visitor’s center at Hearst Castle has been forced to shut down its public restrooms and switch to portable outdoor waterless toilets.\u00a0 Most of us don’t recognize the seriousness of California’s 4th year of drought until we experience something like that.<\/p>\n
With no relief this winter, we need\u00a0a redoubled effort of near-term water conservation,\u00a0but we actually did a little backsliding.\u00a0 December 2014 water use was down some 22% compared to the year before, yet January 2015 usage was only some 9% less than the previous January.\u00a0 It’s absolutely critical that everyone — residents, business owners<\/a>, facilities managers, and agriculture — do their part.<\/p>\n In this post we’ll cover some of the things households and commercial interests should be doing.\u00a0 This includes tips for quick reductions as well as plumbing and appliance measures to address our long-term problem.\u00a0 Most will also save you some money.<\/p>\n In Southern California we’ve already\u00a0implemented many water-saving measures over the years, but we need to pay attention to our habits and make an extra effort for the next few years.<\/p>\n Outdoor water use accounts for around 1\/2 of residential consumption, and restrictions can be easily enforced.\u00a0 So there are several mandates concerning big water wastes, carrying fines on the order of $500 for violations.\u00a0 Depending on your location they typically include the following.<\/p>\n These measures save hundreds of gallons of water per month for each of millions of locations.<\/p>\n There are many other ways we can save significant amounts of water in our homes and businesses.<\/p>\n Sometimes making seeming minor changes can actually make a big difference.\u00a0 Something as simple as turning off the water while brushing your teeth can save the average family some 300 gallons of water a month.\u00a0 The same goes for turning off the water while washing your hair.<\/p>\n Outdoors, mulching can go a long way.\u00a0 Not only can it make your landscaping or garden healthier, it can safe some 25 gallons per watering for every 1,000 square feet of area (smaller than 30 by\u00a035 feet).\u00a0 Watering heavily, but less often, also saves\u00a0significantly overall.<\/p>\n There are innumerable tips and tricks for saving water.\u00a0 Here are just two of the websites we’ve found helpful.<\/p>\n http:\/\/saveourwater.com\/what- http:\/\/www.bewaterwise.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n Water shortages are a long-term problem for Californians, so we need to continue to improve the effectiveness of how we use water.\u00a0 Whenever it’s time for a\u00a0major repair or remodeling, lean towards replacement with water-efficient fixtures and appliances.\u00a0 Many qualify for grants and rebates, for both residential and commercial properties.<\/strong>\u00a0 You can learn about them here:\u00a0 http:\/\/socalwatersmart.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here are some highlights.<\/p>\n Even with modern fixtures, toilets together with clothes washers account for about 1\/4 of all home water use.\u00a0 A new water-efficient washing machine can save some 15 gallons per load.\u00a0 The latest toilets use even less water, especially dual-flush models.\u00a0 For commercial buildings, waterless urinals are now effective — clean, odorless, and low maintenance.\u00a0 Even if you already have low-flow shower heads, the latest fixtures can provide a further 20% reduction in water consumption.\u00a0 A water efficient dishwasher can save roughly 5 gallons per load.\u00a0 Many of these steps qualify for rebates and other incentives.<\/p>\n Soil moisture meters can fine-tune your watering schedule so that you’re not wasting water by irrigating when it’s not needed.\u00a0 Installing a drip irrigation system avoids the surprisingly large water loss from evaporation from using sprinklers.\u00a0 Switching to drought-tolerant landscaping is the biggest win, saving 30 to 60 gallons per watering for every 1,000 square feet.\u00a0 The various rebates and grants also cover special sprinklers, rain barrels, soil moisture sensors, and even for reducing the square footage of turf.<\/p>\nImportant Conservation Measures for Today<\/h2>\n
Mandated<\/h3>\n
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Also Important<\/h3>\n
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For More Information and Water Conservation\u00a0Tips<\/h3>\n
Efficient Water Use for Tomorrow<\/h2>\n
Indoor Water Use<\/h3>\n
Outdoor Water Use<\/h3>\n