Curb Outdoor Watering

Over 50% of household water is used outdoors. There are several ways to curb outdoor water use:

• Adjust outdoor sprinklers to prevent run-off.
• Water less often; most lawns can get by when watered just 3 times per week.
• Replace turf grass with native plant or drought-tolerant species.
• Invest in microsprayers, drip irrigation, and a weather-based timer. Any, or all, of these devices will help you reduce outdoor watering.
• Mulch outdoor plants to reduce evaporation. Use organic mulch to reduce soil compaction.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor sidewalks.

Invest in Low-Water Use Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures

• Newer, high efficency washing machines save both water and power
• Newer dishwashers are also more water and energy-efficient
• Low-flush toilets and dual-flush toilets are much more efficient than older models
• Use a flow-restricting shower-head
• Fix leaky faucets

Change Some Habits

• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or washing your face.
• Shorten your showers to 5 minutes or less.
• Use the dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes.
• Only run the dishwasher when it's full; or use a half-load setting (if your washer has one).
• Use bath-towels and face-cloths more than once before washing.
• Wash only full loads of laundry.

For more conservation tips and information, see these websites:

• www.bewaterwise.com
  This site, sponsored by the Family of Southern California Water Agencies, features tips on saving water and water-wise landscaping. Watering Calculator.

• Eastern Municipal Water District - Use Water Wisely
  This section of the EMWD website has information about local programs/initiatives as well as tips and rebate information.

• www.epa.gov/watersense
  This site is for WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency seeking to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people simple ways to use less water.

• www.h2ouse.org
  This web site provides a virtual tour of a dedicated conservation home. You can see water saving tips room-by-room by taking the Virtual Home Tour: www.h2ouse.org/tour. Or see the top five actions you can take to start saving water immediately: www.h2ouse.org/action.

• www.saveourh2o.org
  Save Our Water has tools, tips, and videos to help you save water.

Here is a list of local water-conserving demonstration gardens.

• EMWD Demonstration Garden
  2270 Trumble Road, Perris

• WMWD Landscapes Southern California Style
  450 Alessandro Boulevard, Riverside

• Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
  1500 N. College Avenue, Claremont

• The Garden
  12122 Cuyamaca Valley Drive West, El Cajon