Water Saving Tips
Indoors and out, there are many easy ways to conserve water -- and help reduce you monthly water bill. Read on to learn all about it.
Fix Leaks
Leaky toilets and dripping faucets account for a large portion of water waste.
Mulch
Add mulch whenever possible, 2 to 4 inches deep. Mulch helps conserve moisture by reducing water evaporation from the soil. It also improves the health of the soil, reduces weed growth, and makes your area look more appealing.
Don't Water the Gutter
Position you sprinkler so the water lands on the lawn and not on paved areas. Also try to avoid watering on windy days.
Plan ahead
Create a design. Draw out the major elements of your landscape including your house, driveway, sidewalk, trees, and other elements. Think of how you would want to use your new landscape. Would you like room for your pets? Need room for the kids to play? Curb appeal? Simply, what would you like to see?
Use a Broom
Don't use a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
Install Water-Saving Devices
We offer free water conservation kits for the kitchen and bathroom. Install them and save.
Water Demonstration Garden
View a complete list of plants in the Waterwise Demonstration Garden.
Turf and Efficient Irrigation
If the only person stepping on an area of grass is the person mowing it, that's called non functional turf. Consider replacing it. As for your functional turf, make sure you have a sprinkler system with high-efficiency nozzles. Youalso might want to invest in a weather-based smart irrigation timer controller.
Plant Drought-Resistant Trees and Plants
You can save up to 40% in water costs by replacing your turf with these options. The best time to plant drought-tolerant and natvie plants is during the fall and spring, when watering requirements are much lower.
Soil Type
To determine your soil type, take a handful of moist soil from your garden, and give it a firm squeeze.
- If it falls apart immediately - Sand
- If you touch it and it crumbles - Loam
- If you touch it and it stays the same - Clay
Water in the Early Morning or Evening
You can lose as much as 30% of water to evaporation if you water under the hot midday sun.
Drip Irrigation System
Consider installing a drip irrigation system to water your plants and trees more efficiently.
Turn Off the Faucet
Whether you're washing dishes, brushing your teeth or cleaning vegetables, don't let the faucet run. It's never okay to let unused water run down the drain.
Water Saving Garden Friendly
Look for the Water Saving Garden Friendly logo at Home Depot and other garden centers to find plants that will thrive in the Inland Empire climate and save water.
Take Shorter Showers
Long, hot showers can waste 5 to 10 gallons of water every unneded minute. A 5-minute shower is usually all that's needed.
Check for Leaks
A leak within your irrigation system, toilets or faucets will account for a large portion of water waste.
Only Wash Full Loads
For clothes or dishes, only do a load if it's full. This saves 15 to 45 gallons per load.
