Water Conservation Tips

It is important that everyone make a conscientious effort to use our water as efficiently as possible. The following water conservation tips can be incorporated into positive, water-use lifestyle changes. We owe it to our children to show them how to conserve so that, as the demand for water continues to increase, they will be able to enjoy future water supplies.

Water Conserving Hardware

Install aerators in your faucets, use 2.5 gallon or less showerheads and use high-efficiency toilets (1.28 gallon per flush) (up to $125 rebates call us). Aerators are available at your local hardware store. For more information, call MCWD at 883-5905.

Smart Irrigation and Landscaping Strategies

Water your lawns early, before sunrise or after sunset. This maximizes water absorption into the soil and minimizes evaporation loss.
Water your lawn only when needed. Most plants do not need to be watered every day & excess watering not only wastes water, but can harm plants.
Make sure your sprinklers are leak-proof and not aimed on sidewalks, streets or driveways.
Landscape with Mediterranean-climate or plants that do not require much water.
Set mower blades 4” and keep them sharp.
Use a trigger or automatic shut-off nozzle on your hose.
Use mulch around trees and plants.
Shut off your sprinklers after a rain.(installation of a rain shutoff switch could earn you a rebate)
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
Integrate rocks, bricks, gravel and decks into your landscaping.

In the Bathroom

Take five-minute or less showers.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Check and fix "silent" leaks in toilets or plumbing fixtures.

In the Kitchen or Laundry

Only wash laundry with full loads.
Use a bowl or put a little water in the sink to clean vegetables.
Use your garbage disposal sparingly.
Don’t thaw food with hot water; instead use a microwave.
If you pre-clean dishes, put a little water in the sink up instead of running the water.
Keep a gallon of cold water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for cold water.
Insulate your pipes to save heating costs.

Outdoors

Wash the car with a bucket instead of the hose.
Use a broom instead of water to clean your sidewalks and driveways.

Community

Support local businesses that practice conservation. (Commercial car washes that recycle their water; businesses that use recycled water in fountains; restaurants that serve water only on request and hotels that give you the option of using your linens for a second night’s stay.)
Ask your teachers or school administrators if they teach water conservation.
Watch for and report broken, poorly timed or misaligned sprinklers.