By Debbie Arrington
Guest Writer
Not sure how to save water at home? A Water Wise House Call can help you get started.
This free service, offered by many local water providers, connects you with water efficiency professionals who provide personalized check-ups of your home’s plumbing and
irrigation systems—both indoors and outdoors.
These visits empower homeowners with tailored advice to optimize water efficiency, access rebates for water-efficient upgrades, and make informed choices about their plumbing and irrigation systems.
“The service is designed to help customers,” says Bill Cassady, a water conservation specialist with El Dorado Irrigation District (EID). “We tailor the survey and information to their individual needs. That includes advice on irrigation systems and information about water-saving rebates.”
EID has offered Water Wise House Calls for over two decades, and feedback has been consistently positive. “Customers appreciate the program,” Cassady adds.
The City of Lincoln launched its Water Wise House Call program this year to rave reviews.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Bobby Pajer, water efficiency specialist for the City of Lincoln. “Many appreciate the information provided, often noting that we go above and beyond their expectations. They find it valuable not only for saving money on their water bills but also for promoting responsible water use. It’s rewarding to hear that they feel more empowered to reduce water waste.”
During a visit, water efficiency experts survey the household’s water systems, identify potential issues, and provide insights into practical ways to improve efficiency. 
“The House Call experts offer several valuable extras, including information about rebate programs for water-saving upgrades,” says Pajer. “We often see over-irrigation, where homeowners aren’t aware of their watering schedules or specific landscape needs. We show them how to adjust their irrigation systems monthly to improve efficiency and keep landscapes healthy.”
Common issues include mis-programmed irrigation timers, leaky toilets, and faulty automatic pool fills. High water use often prompts customers to schedule a House Call.
“Generally, it’s irrigation leaks or customers not understanding why their usage is so high,” says program manager Travis Franklin of the Elk Grove Water District. “They reach out to us, and we forward the information to the Water Wise team. We average about two appointments a month most of the year, with more during the summer.”
Some problems seem obvious – if you know where to look.
“Once I had a customer with three running toilets,” Cassady recalls. A running toilet continuously refills the tank and is often caused by a faulty flapper or other small malfunction inside the tank. One leaky or running toilet can waste 200 gallons or more a day. In the case of this household, those three running toilets could add up to 18,000 wasted gallons a month.
Some leaks are harder to detect but can result in massive water waste. Pajer recounts one instance where a homeowner’s monthly water use jumped from 20,000 gallons to over 130,000 gallons due to an undetected irrigation leak. Surprisingly, the leak was in the irrigation system, and because the water was dissipating into the ground, it took longer for the homeowner to notice.
With professional guidance during a Water Wise House Call, such issues can be identified and resolved early. To learn more about Water Wise House Calls and rebates available through local water providers, visit bewatersmart.info/rebates-services.
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Debbie Arrington is a longtime home and garden reporter and co-author of the blog Sacramento Digs Gardening: https://sacdigsgardening.californialocal.com/
