Top Ways to Save

INDOORS

1. Install high efficiency toilets and clothes washers

High-efficiency WaterSense-labeled high efficiency toilet

• These toilets use 1.28 gallons or less per flush compared to older toilets that could use 3.5-7 gallons per flush.
• Save 19 gallons per person per day.
• You can find a WaterSense-labeled high efficiency toilet at most hardware and home improvement stores for the same cost as a regular toilet.
• Some water agencies will pay you money to replace your toilet.  Check here for rebates in your area.
• Already have a high efficiency toilet? Consider following the “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.  If it’s brown, flush it down” to save additional water by minimizing flushes.
• Also don’t use the toilet as a waste basket.

Energy efficient ENERGY STAR-certified clothes washer

• Save 15 gallons per load.
• The average top loading clothes washer uses 30-40 gallons per load.
• If you use hot water, you are using energy too.
• ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers use 20% less energy and 35% less water than regular clothes washers.
• Always wash full loads of laundry.

2. Take 5 minute shower instead of 10 minute shower

• Save 12.5 gallons with a standard showerhead. (2.5 gallons per minute)
• Save even more with a water efficient showerhead.  Upgrade your bathroom with a WaterSense-labeled water efficient showerhead.
• Make a 5 minute song mix playlist to use while in the shower.  The music stops, time to turn off the water.  Suggested songs into include:
  • “Purple Rain” Prince
  • “Blame it on the Rain”  Milli Vanilli
  • “Raindrops keep falling on my head” BJ Thomas
  • “Singin’ in the rain”  Gene Kelly
  • “I wish it would rain” The Temptations
• Get a 5 minute shower timer.

3. Fix leaky toilets, showerheads and faucets

• The average household can waste more than 10,000 gallons in one year.
• Identify leaks in your fixtures and make repairs within 48 hours to minimize water waste.
• Beat the Leak: Find and Stop Leaks Fast
• How do I check for leaks?

OUTDOORS

1. Limit watering, following your Water Provider’s Guidelines

• We recommend two day a week watering, however, each water provider has different water guidelines.  Find out yours.
• Best way to tell if you need to water is by testing.  To test your lawn, do the “screwdriver test.”  Stick an eight-inch screwdriver into the ground.  If you can push it more than three inches into the ground, you don’t need to water.
• How much should you water?  This scheduler provides you with a customized schedule.
• Water early in the day.  When the sun is out, water evaporates before it gets your plants.  Save 50 gallons each time you water.
• Need more than two days of watering, consider installing a clothes washer to lawn graywater system.
• Low water use and native plants require less water than the average lawn.  Save 9 gallons per day, per 1,000 square feet. Find Sacramento region appropriate plants.
• Additional tips for summer landscape survival.

2. Adjust sprinklers to reduce overspray and runoff

• Minimize the amount of water that makes it way to impervious surfaces especially sidewalks and driveways.
• Simple adjustments to sprinkler heads can make a big difference.  Learn how.
• Save more than 40 gallons every time you water (and also stop fertilizers and pesticides from washing into the storm drain, which leads directly to our creeks, streams and rivers)
• Use the Soak and Cycle method to reduce runoff.

3. Add 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation

• Save 30 gallons each time you water per 1,000 square feet.
• Mulch is like icing on a cake, because it keeps the soil moist the way icing keeps a cake moist.
• Mulch slows evaporation, allowing water to sink into the soil, moderates soil temperature and breaks down into nutrients for plants.
• Mulch includes organic plant material like leaves and wood chips and can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores.
• Other tips for caring for your trees.