Water Conservation Tips

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.

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
• 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 cost

Outdoor

• 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

Watch for and report broken, poorly timed or miss aimed sprinklers around the city.