Help Conserve Water Today. Take the 20 Gallon Challenge!

Despite the recent rains, the entire State of California is experiencing extreme drought conditions. This summer will see water use restrictions and strict penalties for residents and businesses that are not meeting water use limits set by their utilities. Most residents will need to reduce their water use by 20 gallons per person per day to meet regional conservation goals. The good news is that many local residents are already close to targeted daily use rates, so we know it is possible!
 

Easy steps to reduce your water use:

1. Take drought smart showers: Upgrade to a shower head that uses 1.5 gallons per minute and limit showers to 7 minutes. Uses just 10 gallons per shower!  Install a shutoff valve to stop water flow without changing the water temperature while you are soaping up and shaving to save even more. Shutoff valves are easy to install by hand and are available at your local hardware store for $10 or are often free from your water utility.
2. Turn off the tap: Most faucets run at 1 gallon per minute, so slowing the flow and turning off the tap while you scrub a dish, wash your face or brush your teeth can save tens of gallons of water each day.
3. Run dish and clothes washers only when full: This can save up to half the water used by these water-intensive appliances.
4. Upgrade to water efficient toilets and clothes washers: This takes some effort but can make the biggest impact toward meeting your water budget goals. Rebates are available from your utility.
5. Install a laundry-to-landscape greywater system: Keep your landscaping alive this summer by reusing water from your clothes washer for yard irrigation. They are easy to install yourself or you can hire a professional, find all the resources you need at the Central Coast Greywater Alliance website.