The drought and subsequent water situation in California has gotten to extreme measures with no end in the near future. Since we love our beautiful state and want to keep it as healthy as possible, we all need to do our part in using less water and being more conservation minded. Although there is some water loss that is to be expected and cannot be helped, there are plenty of ways you might not be aware of that can significantly lessen your water usage.waterwise2

#1 – Dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand.
#2 – Cut down on the number of glasses to wash by designating one glass for your drinking water each day.
#3 – Collect the water you use to wash fruits and vegetables. Use it to water your house plants.
#4 – Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and energy, it also helps your clothes retain their color.
#5 – When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
#6 – Shortening your shower by only one 1 or 2 minutes will save up to 150 gallons of water a month!
#7 – Put food coloring in your toilet tank, if it seeps into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
#8 – Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute.
#9 – Plug the sink instead of running the water to rinse your razor while you shave.
#10 – Turn off the water while you wash your hair in the shower.
#11 – Teach children to tightly turn off faucets after use to ensure no drips.
#12 – When kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area of your lawn that needs it most.
#13 – At home, or while staying in a hotel, reuse towels.
#14 – Run your washer and dishwasher only when they are full.
#15 – Plant in the spring and fall when the watering requirements are lower.
#16 – Plant species native to your region.
#17 – Start a compost pile. Using compost in your garden adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
#18 – Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants help them retain moisture which saves money, time, & water.
#19 – Collect water from your roof by installing gutters & downspouts that direct the runoff to plants and trees.
#20 – Adjust your lawn mower to the height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Taller grass shades roots & holds soil moisture better than short grass.
#21 – Aerating your lawn periodically will allow water to reach the roots, rather than run off the surface.
#22 – Since fertilizer increases water consumption, use the minimum amount needed.
#23 – Water your summer lawns once every three days & your winter lawn once every five days.
#24 – Catch water in an empty can to measure sprinkler output. 3/4 to 1 inch of water is enough to apply each time you irrigate.
#25 – Set a kitchen timer when using the hose as a reminder to turn it off.
#26 – Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
#27 – Learn how to shut off your automatic water system in case of malfunctions or rain.
#28 – Water only when necessary. More plants die of over-watering rather than under-watering.
#29 – Use drip irrigation for shrubs & trees to apply water directly to the roots, where its needed.
#30 – Use a rain barrel to harvest rainwater from gutters for watering gardens and landscapes.
#31 – For hanging baskets, pots, and plants, put ice cubes on top of the soil to give your plants a cool drink without over flow.
#32 – Pruning properly can help your plants use water more efficiently.
#33 – Use a pool cover to keep your pool clean, reduce chemical use, and prevent water loss through evaporation.
#34 – Don’t overfill the pool. Lower levels will reduce water loss from splashing.
#35 – Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Or, wash your car on the lawn and you’ll water your grass at the same time.
#36 – Use a hose nozzle or turn off the hose while you wash your car. It’ll save 100 gallons every time.
#37 – When cleaning out fish tanks, use the nutrient-rich water to water non-edible plants.
#38 – Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, sidewalks, & driveways.
#39 – Know where your master water shut-off is located. This could prevent damage & save gallons of water if a pipe were to burst.
#40 – Marry the weather with your landscape water use. Decrease water usage during rainy periods.
#41 – Scrape dishes rather than rinsing before washing.
#42 – When ice cubes are left over in your drink, pour them on a plant instead of down the sink.
#43 – When washing your hands, turn off the water while you later.
#44 – Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter can help you discover leaks.
#45 – Wash your pets outdoors in an area of lawn that needs water.

For many more useful tips check out the Water Use it Wisely website by clicking here.