Waste Not, Want Not

 

Do you want more information about water conservation?

Download our indoor and outdoor tip sheets.

Check out rebates available to Santa Ana residents.

Water use restrictions have eased now that we no longer face emergency drought conditions. But we must remain mindful not to waste water. Think about the wisdom of the old proverb “waste not, want not.” If we don’t waste water—something essential to our everyday lives—then we won’t lack (want) it. We’ll be protecting our water supply for generations to come. Remember, it’s up to each of us. If we all do our part to change our water use habits, we could save billions of gallons of water and preserve our future reserves.

Below are the 10 easiest ways you can conserve water both inside your home and outdoors.

Indoor Tips

  1. Stop Running Water. Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth and shaving. Doing so will save up to 2.5 gallons per minute.
  2. Limit your Showers to 5 Minutes. Spend only 5 minutes in the shower and save up to 25 gallons each time.
  3. Fix The Drips. Repair your leaks immediately and save up to 20 gallons a day. Remember, Santa Ana’s permanent water use restrictions states leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of notification by the City.
  4. Wash Full Loads Only. Washing only full loads of laundry and dishes can save 15-50 gallons per load. 5. Buy Efficient Appliances. Buy water saving devices like high-efficiency toilets and clothes washers, and save many gallons per day. Some of these clothes washers are eligible for rebates!
  5. Buy Efficient Appliances. Buy water saving devices like high-efficiency toilets and clothes washers, and save many gallons per day. Some of these clothes washers are eligible for rebates!

Outdoor Tips

  1. Don’t Over-Water. Consider watering 3 days instead of 5 days. You’ll save more than 500 gallons a week!
  2. Choose the Right Time. You should only be watering outdoors between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. according to Santa Ana’s permanent water use restrictions. This reduces evaporation and can save 25 gallons each day you water.
  3. Use a Broom, Not a Hose. Put down the hose and pick up a broom when you want to clean your driveway and sidewalks, and save 150 gallons each time.
  4. Maintain Your System. Check your sprinkler system for leaks, overspray and broken sprinkler heads and save up to 500 gallons a month.
  5. Control What You Need. Install a smart sprinkler controller that is weather based and save 40 gallons a day.