Water Conservation: Information & Tips
Did you know?
Daily water usage in Burbank averages about 200 gallons per person!
We often forget that we live in an arid climate that doesn't have enough native water to meet the needs of a large population. To support the water needs of Southern California, water from the Colorado River and Northern California has been imported to our region. However water is increasingly becoming a contentious issue, not just in California but throughout the western states. Without a dedication to water conservation (using less water) and water efficiency (using water better), we can all count on some severe water woes in Southern California.
Additionally, drought is a cyclical reality of our climate. The actions we take today can help us weather droughts when they occur.
Where Does Your Water Go?
According to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, water used outside of the home for landscaping and pools is the number one water user. As much as 60% of the water used by households goes for these purposes. The breakdown for water usage inside the typical American home is as follows:
Water Conservation Tips that Save A Lot of Water!
Landscaping
Water yards wisely. Remember that landscaping is most likely your number one user of water.
- Your lawn and plants benefit most from slow, thorough and infrequent watering.
- Minimize evaporation by watering in the early morning or evening.
- Aerate your lawns.
- Install drip irrigation systems with automatic timers.
- Mulch to retain water.
- Plant hardy, water-saving plants, trees, and shrubs, especially native species.
- Mow less frequently in dry times.
Not sure how much water is necessary for your lawn? Afraid you might be over- or under-watering?
Click here to use the Metropolitan Water District's Landscape Water Calculator. The Landscape Water Calculator is a simple fill-in-the-blanks tool that will help you customize watering times to fit seasonal and plant needs. Plug in your zip code, answer a few questions about your landscape and you'll have a monthly guide for the number of days to water and length of time.
Pools and Spas
- Cover your pool and spa!
- Using pool and spa covers dramatically reduces the amount of water that evaporates.
Car Washing
- Choose a car wash that recycles water.
- At home, use a shut-off nozzle and don't run the water while washing the car.
- If possible, direct runoff to water your landscaping.
Toilet
- Flush only when necessary.
Every flush you eliminate can save between two and seven gallons of water. - Don't use the toilet for a wastebasket.
- Replace older toilets with Ultra Low Flush Toilets.High Efficiency Toilets use about 1.28 gallons of water with every flush. Compare that to the 6 or 7 gallons used by a high water using toilet and you can see how much water these high-efficiency toilets save.
BeWaterWise offers rebates to Burbank customers who replace inefficient toilets with High Efficiency Toilets. - Test your toilet for leaks.
Leaks continuously waste water. Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank. If it's leaking, you'll see the coloring in the toilet without flushing. Fix toilet leaks and save as much as 600 gallons of water monthly!
Bathtub and Shower
- Use less water in the bathtub.
Filling the tub uses about 50 gallons of water. Try bathing in about 10 gallons. Plug the tub when you shower to see how much water is just going down the drain. - Don't waste clean water.
While waiting for the shower water to heat up, catch the cold water in a bucket and use that water for pets, plants, cleaning, and other uses. - Shorter showers save money and water.
By keeping showers under five minutes, a family of four can save over 1,000 gallons of water monthly. - Install a low-flow showerhead.
Drop by BWP's Conservation Section and receive a free low-flow showerhead! - Turn off water while you are soaping up.
Washing Machines
- In the market for a new washer? Buy an Energy Star model and save water and electricity AND get a cash rebate from BWP!
- The newest innovation in washers is the front-loading washing machine. These save even more water and electricity. And if the machine you have purchased has a water factor of 4.0 or less you may qualify for an additional cash rebate from BeWaterWise.
- Run full loads.
Match your washer's load selector to each load size, but try to wash only full loads. - Use only as much detergent as necessary.
- Use cold water whenever possible for the wash cycle.
By doing this, you save the energy required to heat the water.
There are literally hundreds of water-saving tips that can help you save water and money! For more information and to find out what water-saving devices BWP offers to our customers, please call 238-3730.