Water Conservation Tips 

These simple water conservation tips will help you adjust to the mandatory 16% water use reduction target set in place for San Diego by the state of California. The city has asked residents to limit their watering of ornamental, and below are a few water conservation tips that will make this change painless for the whole family!

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

• Set lawn mower blades one notch higher to reduces evaporation and leave grass clippings to hold in moisture.

• Consider mulch or drought-tolerant landscaping

• Substitute water activities at home for visiting public pools or beaches

• If you have a pool, use a cover to minimize evaporation.

Laundry Water Conservation Tips

• Never wash less than a full load.

• Remove clothes from washer promptly to avoid having to wash them again.

• Invest in a high-efficiency washer.

Bathroom Water Conservation Tips

• While waiting for hot water to come through the pipes, catch the cool water in a watering can and use this for watering plants, garbage disposal, or the toilet bowl to flush.

• Install low-flow showerheads.

• Minimize time spent in the shower or take a shallow bath.

• Turn the water off while lathering-up in the shower and turn on quickly to rinse.

• Install ultra-low-flush toilets.

• Repair toilets leaks and flapper valves as necessary.

• Minimize flushing – avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket.

• Turn water off while brushing your teeth or shaving.

Water Conservation Tips in the Kitchen

• Place dishes into a dishpan and hand wash them with minimal detergent and short blasts of water to rinse once per day.

• Never wash less than a full load in the dishwasher.

• Substitute defrosting food with running water by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or using the microwave.

• Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or a pan filled with water instead of under running water.