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Water Utilities > Customer Education > Water System > Water Conservation

Water Conservation

Water Utilities uses water efficiently to reduce unnecessary usage and keep our water clean.

Water Conservation Tips

Inside the Home

  • Don't let the water run needlessly when washing dishes, shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • Take shorter showers. Keeping showers under five minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
  • Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, and then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
  • Fix leaky faucets. Just one drip a second can waste 2,000 gallons of water per year.
  • If practical, try to run the dishwasher or washing machine only when full.
  • If you live in an older home, consider replacing your plumbing with low-flow fixtures and low-flush toilets.
  • Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water to use to water plants, wash dishes or vegetables in a sink.
  • Match the water level to the size of the load when washing laundry.

Outside the Home

  • Water the lawn only when necessary and consider landscaping with native plants adaptable to your climate's conditions.
  • Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
  • Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around pumps.
  • Check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
  • Check the root zone of the lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
  • Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
  • Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while washing cars.
  • Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs water every three weeks or less if it rains.
  • Water only when necessary. More plants die from overwatering than from underwatering

Check Water Pressure

Testing and adjusting your home's water pressure is essential to protect the plumbing, improve water efficiency and enhance safety. High water pressure can damage pipes and cause leaks, while low pressure can reduce appliance efficiency. Save money and avoid water damage by checking the water pressure.