by Michael Stevenson

Use a broom instead of water

Our water supplies in Southern California are low from several dry years and we will continue to face significant water supply challenges. Therefore it’s still critical that residents and businesses continue to conserve water.  But because something may be important to us it doesn’t always translate into an effective action plan. We are creatures of habit and most of the time we don’t consciously think about the little mundane tasks we do every day. We need to change the fact that when it comes to water conservation we are often on auto pilot and don’t think about what we are doing with water at the time we are using it. Use the word W.A.T.E.R. one letter at a time to help you remember what you need to do to become a better water conservationist.

“W” stands for wasting water. Focusing on the different ways you waste water can be one of the most significant things you can do to limit your water use.

1. Shorten your showers by turning off the water while you are soaping up or using shampoo.
2. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, washing your hands or shaving.
3. Don't use your toilet as a waste paper basket or flush it needlessly.
4. You waste water through evaporation so keep your spa or pool covered when not in use.
5. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to slow down evaporation and keep soil moist.

“A” stands for adjusting your thinking about how you use water.

1. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
2. Don't defrost frozen foods with running water. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave.
3. Use your water wasting garbage disposal sparingly and instead compost your vegetable food waste.

“T” stands for timing your water use. When you choose to use water can have an effect on how far it goes.

1. Water plants only when they need it and during the cooler part of the day.
2. Don’t water on windy days when much of the water blows away or evaporates.

“E” stands for efficiency. Water efficiency is saving water resources through the employment of water-saving technologies and activities

1. Drought resistant native plants are a much more water efficient way of beautifying your home.
2. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors and replace your old water- guzzling flush toilet with an ultra-low flush model..
3. Run only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
4. When you purchase a new washing machine select a front loading model which uses much less water than a standard top loading model
5. Install an instant water heater near an area where you use the most hot water so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up.

“R” stands for reusing water. Reuse water around your home for more than one purpose.

1. Never let water run down the drain when there is another use for it. While you wait for hot water to begin, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants or your garden.
2. Clean and rinse vegetables in a bowl and then save the water for plants.
3. Instead of washing your car at home wash it at a car wash that recycles water.
4. During the rainy season collect water from your roof in a rain barrel that can then later be used to water plants.

Remember, think W.A.T.E.R. to save water.