The drought is back. After an encouraging early winter season of storms, California has reverted to dry conditions. However, Southern Californians have what it takes to conserve and preserve our precious water supplies. Together we have successfully navigated a number of major droughts over the last three decades. Although this year marks the third consecutive severe drought year in our state, because of sound planning, smart investments and a long-lasting conservation ethic, we are well prepared to “weather” this event.

The Governor recently called upon all Californians to reduce water use by 15% to mitigate drought impacts. We do not know how long this drought will last, but every drop saved today will be one we can use for tomorrow.  Although there has been major progress in reducing water use, we all need to do more. Here is how you can help to reduce water consumption and save on your water bill.

Avoid  wasteful water practices at all times including: elimination of over-watering and excessive runoff from landscapes, limiting outdoor watering  duration time,  no outdoor watering between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., no washing down of hard or paved surfaces, no outdoor watering  for a minimum of 48 hours after a measurable rain event, no outdoor watering exceeding 3 days per week; and fix all leaks promptly.

IN THE BATHROOM

• Take five-minute or less showers
• Turn off water while brushing your teeth or shaving
• Check for and fix “silent” leaks in toilets or plumbing
• Install  low flow shower heads and faucet aerators

• Only wash full loads in dish and clothes washers
• Don’t thaw food with hot water; instead use a microwave
• Keep a container  of cold water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for cold water
• Install water efficient low-flow toilets
• Consider a high efficiency clothes washing machine

• Consider a high efficiency clothes washing machine

OUTDOORS

• Wash vehicles with a bucket instead of a hose
• Use broom instead of water to clean your sidewalks and driveways
• Watch for broken, poorly timed or misaligned sprinklers and irrigation lines and fix them promptly
• Don’t overwater your lawn/landscaped area and consider installing a “smart” irrigation controller
• Install a rain barrel to catch and collect rain  from your roof that can later be used to water your vegetated areas
• Water in the early morning or evening to avoid water loss from evaporation and avoid watering when it is windy
• Plant “California Friendly” drought resistant plants and trees
• Place a layer of mulch around plants and tree
• Consider replacing your lawn with California friendly plant material and save 50-75% of your outdoor water use

For more information go to BeWaterWise.com, SaveOurWater.com and www.MyWaterPledge.com