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WaterSmart Tips — Save Every Day, Every Way

Water Efficiency is a Way of Life in San Diego County

Indoor Tips

No Cost – Easy to Do

Water Efficiency Tip Estimated Savings
Avoid using running water to thaw frozen foods. 2.5 gallons/minute
Scrape dirty dishes instead of rinsing them before washing. 2.5 gallons/minute
Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of in running water.2.5 gallons/minute
Keep drinking water in your refrigerator to avoid wasteful running of tap water to cool it off. 2.5 gallons/minute
Run the dishwasher only when full. 2-4.5 gallons/load
Don’t leave water running when rinsing dishes. 2.5 gallons/minute
Turn off water when brushing teeth. 2 gallons/minute
Shorten showers. 2.5 gallons/minute
Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.1.6 gallons/flush
Wash only full loads of clothes. 15–50 gallons/load

Low Cost – More Effort Required

Water Efficiency TipEstimated Savings
Fix leaky toilets. 30–50 gallons/day/toilet
Fix leaky faucets. 15–20 gallons/day/leak
Install aerators with flow restrictors on kitchen/bathroom faucets. 4.7 gallons/day

Higher Cost – Most Effort Required

Water Efficiency TipEstimated Savings
Install an instant hot water recirculating system or device.2.5 gallons/minute
Replace older, inefficient clothes washers.* 20–30 gallons/load
Upgrade to high-efficiency toilets.* 0.3–3.8 gallons/fl ush
Install a water-efficient dishwasher. 4.25 gallons/cycle

*Rebates may be available.

Outdoor Tips – Landscape Irrigation

No Cost – Easy to Do

Water Efficiency Tip Estimated Savings
Water only in the late evening or early morning hours 20–25 gallons/day to reduce evaporation and interference from wind.2.5 gallons/minute
Don’t overwater!

Turn off irrigation systems before rainstorms and leave them off for as long as possible after. Water only after the top 1 inch of soil is dry.

Program your irrigation controller to run based on local water agency restrictions. For information about local restrictions, go to WheninDrought.org.

15–25 gallons/minute; up to 250 gallons/cycle
Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray and runoff. 15–25 gallons/day

Low Cost – More Effort Required

Water Efficiency TipEstimated Savings
Repair leaks and broken sprinkler nozzles.* 10 gallons/minute/leak
Add 2” to 3” of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation. 20–30 gal./day/1,000 sq. ft.
Install rain barrels.* varies

Higher Cost – Most Effort Required

Water Efficiency TipEstimated Savings
Install a graywater system to help irrigate your landscape. 16 gallons/load
Install water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs, and flowers to get water to plant roots more efficiently.
20–25 gallons/day
Upgrade to a “smart irrigation controller” that automatically adjusts watering times based on weather conditions.*40 gallons/day
Replace your lawn and upgrade to WaterSmart landscape.*up to 44 gallons/sq. ft. annually depending on climate

*Rebates may be available.

Other Outdoor Ideas

No Cost – Easy to Do

Water Efficiency Tip Estimated Savings
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. 8–18 gallons/minute
Collect warm-up shower water in a bucket and use to water plants. 2.5 gallons/minute
When you give pets fresh water, use old water on your landscape. 2.5 gallons/minute
Adjust your pressure reducer (if you have one) to keep pressure between 40 and 60 p.s.i.Varies
While washing your car, use a self-closing nozzle for your hose. 8–18 gallons/minute
Patronize car washes that recycle water. 15-32 gallons/wash

Low Cost – More Effort Required

Water Efficiency TipEstimated Savings
Fix leaky meters. up to 1000s of gallons
Repair any leaks around pool and spa pumps. 20 gallons/day/leak
Repair leaking hose bibs. 15–20 gal./day/leak

Higher Cost – Most Effort Required

Water Efficiency TipEstimated Savings
Install covers on pools and spas to reduce evaporation. 30 gallons per day
Install a pressure reducer if your pressure is greater than 80 p.s.i. Varies

*Rebates may be available.

Click here for a Water Footprint Calculator that takes individualized input by homeowners and shows which of their water uses are efficient and which are not.

Would you like a professional evaluation of potential water-saving measures for your home? Click here to request a FREE WaterSmart checkup today.

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