Water Conservation Links:
BCPUD Water Audit Checklist
How to read your BCPUD Meter
The Micro Gardener – Good tips for how to save water in your garden
Eartheasy – A list of products that help save water in your garden
California Department of Water Resources – Water efficient landscaping ideas for California
Water Use It Wisely
The Water Project
Eartheasy – Ideas for environmentally sustainable living
Water Education Foundation
Water Rationing 2021
Water Conservation Tips from FEMA.
- Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
- Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year!
- Check all plumbing for leaks. Have leaks repaired by a plumber.
- Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
- Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
- Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.
- Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.
- Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
- Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
- Replace your shower head with an ultra-low-flow version.
- Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
- Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
- Avoid taking baths—take short showers—turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.
- Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
- Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the “light wash” feature, if available, to use less water.
- Hand wash dishes by filling two containers—one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
- Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
- Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
- Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove.
- Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove large particles of food. (Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing)
- Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.
- Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.
Conventional water uses vs Water Saving uses:
| Gallons Used – Conventional | Gallons Used – Low Flow/Water Saving |
| Toilet Flushing 5-7 gallons per flush | 1.5 – 3.5 gallons per flush |
| Shower 7-10 gallons per minute | 2-4 gallons per minute |
| Bath 36-50 gallons | |
| Laundry 45-50 gallons per load | 12-17 gallons per load |
| Dishwasher 15 gallons per load | 7 gallons per load |
| Dishwashing by hand 30 gallons (tap running) | 5-10 gallons (tap not running) |
| Brushing teeth 10 gallons (tap running) | 1-3 gallons (tap not running) |
| Garden Watering630 gallons (1/2 inch hose running at 60 lbs per sq. inch for 1 hour)
1,020 gallons (5/8 inch hose running at 60 lbs per sq. inch for 1 hour) 1,860 gallons (3/4 inch hose running at 60 lbs per sq. inch for 1 hour) |