Tips for Conserving Water
Outdoors
Lawn Care
- Watering: One inch of water per week is all that is generally necessary to maintain your lawn. Avoid overwatering by using a rain gauge or coffee can to measure the volume of water applied. As a general rule, water for 20 minutes, three times per week to apply one inch of water.
- Smart Irrigation: Install a smart irrigation controller on your home system to avoid overwatering. A rebate of $50 per installation of a smart irrigation controller is available through the Green Rewards Program.
- Let it grow: Allow your grass to grow taller in hot dry weather. Longer grass means less evaporation and will encourage roots to grow deeper leaving your lawn more drought-tolerant.
Landscaping
- Plant trees to provide shade. Decrease lawn area. Use drought-resistant shrubs. Increase areas of ground cover. Mulch.
- Take advantage of the Free Shade Tree Program!
Pool
- Use a pool cover to keep water clean and reduce evaporation.
General Maintenance
- Use a broom instead of a water hose to clear debris from patios, driveways, and sidewalks.
Valves and Hoses
- Check outdoor pipes, hoses, and faucets for leaks.
Indoors
Laundry
- Only wash full loads of laundry when using a washing machine.
Personal Grooming
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving.
Dishes
- If you wash dishes by hand, rinse them in a sink partially filled with clean water instead of under running water.
Bathroom Fixtures
- Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, available at a discount through our Green Rewards Program, to cut down on the amount of water you use.
Leaks
- Repair leaking faucets, tanks and pipes.