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- Water Conservation Programs -
Hotel/Motel Conservation Program | Restaurant Water Conservation
Water Conservation Tips - (see also: California Water Awareness Campaign)
With future Orange County population increases, likely cut backs in water supplies from outside sources, and the ever present threat of seawater intrusion, it is important that everyone in Orange County make a conscientious effort to use our water as efficiently as possible. The following water conservation tips should be taken very seriously and incorporated into positive, water-use lifestyle changes. We owe it to our children to show them how to conserve so that, as the demand for water continues to increase, they will be able to enjoy tomorrow’s supplies.
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- Water Conserving Hardware
- Smart Irrigation and Landscaping Strategies
- -- Learn more about the Protector del Agua Program
- In the Bathroom
- In the Kitchen or Laundry
- Outdoors
- Community
Water Conserving Hardware
- Install aerators in your faucets, use high pressure showers and ultra low flush toilets throughout your home. Aerators are available at your local hardware store. On October 1, 1999, all Orange County residents became eligible to participate in Municipal Water District of Orange County's (MWDOC) Regional Ultra Low-Flush Toilet (ULFT) Program. Through generous funding provided by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Municipal Water District of Orange County and your local water agency, you may receive up to three high-quality, white, round-bowl ULFTs for your home. With hardware improvements such as these, your family can save 70,000 gallons of water yearly, which translates to a savings of about $150 a year on your water bill. For more information, call toll free (800) 954-4344 or MWDOC at (714) 963-3058.
Smart Irrigation and Landscaping Strategies
- Water your lawns early in the morning before sunrise or in the evenings after sunset. This will maximize water absorption into the soil and minimize loss due to evaporation.
- Water your lawn only when needed. Most plants do not need to be watered everyday and excess watering not only wastes water but can harm the plant.
- Make sure your sprinklers are leak-proof and not aimed on sidewalks, streets or driveways. For technical information on proper irrigation and landscaping, call 1-800-822-0006.
- Landscape your yard and garden with Mediterranean climate plants from your local nursery as they do not require much water.
- Set mower blades 2" to 3" and keep them sharp
- Use a trigger or automatic shut-off nozzle on your garden hose
- Use mulch around trees and plants
- Shut off your sprinklers after a rain
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Save the slow delivery sprinklers for the lawn.
- Integrate rocks, bricks, gravel and decks into your landscaping
In the Bathroom
- Take short showers
- Draw less water for baths
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving
- Check for and fix "silent" leaks in toilets or plumbing fixtures. Most people would not leave the air conditioning on the front door open, but they will neglect a costly water leak.
In the Kitchen or Laundry
- Only wash with full loads
- Use a bowl or fill up the sink to clean vegetables
- Use your garbage disposal sparingly
- Don’t thaw food with hot water — use the microwave
- If you pre-clean dishes, fill the sink up instead of running the water
- Keep a gallon of cold water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for cold water
- Consider installing an instant water heater on your sinks far from the main water heater
- Insulate your pipes to save heating costs
Outdoors
- Wash the car with a bucket instead of the hose
- Use a broom instead of water to clean your sidewalks and driveways
- Cover your spa or swimming pool
Community
- Support local businesses who practice conservation. For example, commercial car washes that recycle their water; businesses that use recycled water in fountains; restaurants that serve water only on request and hotels that give you the option of using your linens for a second night’s stay
- Ask your teachers or school administrators if they teach water conservation
- Watch for and report broken, poorly timed or miss aimed sprinklers around the city or along the highway.
If you have discovered even better ways to save water, please contact us at Orange County Water District, 10500 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92728. If we like your conservation ideas, we will publicize them here and send you a free gift. For additional tips, visit the California Water Awareness Campaign website at www.wateraware.org/tips.html
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