Urban and Agriculture Water Conservation

Water Conservation at Home

Turn off water when brushing your teeth.
Don’t use the toilet as a trash can.
Install a low-flow showerhead, then take only 5-minute showers or 3-inch baths.
Replace your toilet with a water saving ultra-low flush model. This can save up to 14,000 gallons of water per year!
Fix all leaky toilets, faucets and pipes.
Flush toilets and use garbage disposals only when necessary.
Turn off the water when shaving and lathering in the shower.
Run only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running it at the tap until it cools.
Use a brush and a bowl full of water, instead of running water over fruits and vegetables.
If buying a new washing machine, buy a front loading washer; these use 1/3 less water than top loaders.

Don’t over water garden plants and the lawn. Deep soak garden once weekly rather than sprinkle lightly several times a week.
Water evening or morning to prevent rapid evaporation during heat of day.
Plant drought-resistant plants in the yard.
When you wash your car…use a bucket of water.
Use a nozzle on your hose which can be shut off or adjusted to a fine spray.
Use a broom or rake rather than a hose to remove leaves and debris from driveway, walk, patio, and pool decks.
Cover swimming pool to slow down evaporation of water from it.
Use a car wash which recycles water, or wash car at home.
Wash your car with bucket, sponge, and a hose with a shut-off valve.

Learn more about how to save water in home landscaping in this article from the Kern County-UC Cooperative Extension office.