Ways to save our water

Easy advice for conserving water at home ...

Saving water Indoors:

• Never put water down the drain when there is another use for it such as watering plants or cleaning. Use buckets or pots to capture warm-up water from the shower, sink or bath.
• Verify that your home is leak free. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when water is not being used. If the meter does not read the same, there is a leak.
• Repair dripping faucets. This can save up to 20 gallons a day per leak.
• Insulate your water pipes. You will get hot water more quickly and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Fully load the dishwasher and washing machines. If you wash small loads, be sure to adjust the setting accordingly.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink with soapy water. Then quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet or fill the second sink with rinse water.
• Rinse vegetables in a filled sink or pan instead of under running water.
• Do not use running water to defrost frozen foods. Use the microwave or leave food in the refrigerator overnight.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator instead of waiting for tap water to cool.
• Use the garbage disposal less. Disposals require a lot of water to operate properly.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Use a glass of water for rinsing. This can save several gallons of water each day.
• When shaving, fill the bottom of the sink with water for use when rinsing.
• Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors.
• Take shorter showers or only fill the bathtub 1/3 of the way full.
• When adjusting water temperatures, turn the water flow down instead of up.
• Flush the toilet less often. Throw tissues and other such waste in the trash.
• Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak.
• Replace or repair your toilet handle if it sticks. This will prevent the water from running constantly.
• Place a displacement bag, brick or plastic bottle in your toilet tank. This will reduce the amount of flushed water without reducing toilet efficiency.
• Install an ultra-low-flush toilet. This can cut the amount of water that goes down the drain about 50% of each flush.

Saving water Outdoors:

• Plant drought resistant trees and plants. Once established they do not need to be watered as frequently.
• Water the lawn and plants in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation.
• Do not water your street, driveway or sidewalk. Use a broom to clean these areas. Position sprinklers so water lands on lawn and plants, not paved areas.
• Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray. Turn it off at the faucet to avoid leaks.
• Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. Your hose can pour out nearly 600 gallons of water in two hours.
• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least 3 inches. Taller grass holds water better.
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
• If you have a swimming pool, consider using a new water-saving pool filter. Install covers on pools and spas to cut down on evaporation.

Water saving checklist:

Use these simple tips daily to make conserving water in your home a habit.

• Do not keep water running while shaving, brushing teeth or washing dishes.
• Only use the dishwasher and washing machine when completely full.
• Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket.
• Water your lawn in the morning or evening.
• Do not use running water to defrost frozen foods.
• Keep drinking water in the refrigerator.
• Check for leaky faucets, pipes and toilets,
• Take shorter showers or baths filled only 1/3 full.
• Make sure your pool or spa is covered.
• Use your garbage disposal less.
• Do not leave hoses or sprinklers unattended.
• Make sure not to water paved areas.
• Use a shut-oil nozzle on your hose.
• Step on your grass, if it bounces back it does not need water.

For more information about water conservation, legislative efforts to secure our water supply, and general energy saving tips, please contact:

ASSEMBLYMEMBER TED LIEU
53RD ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
500 CENTER ST
EL SEGUNDO CA 90245-3201