May is Water Awareness Month and it is only fitting that today’s blog comes from our friends at the San Diego County Water Authority! You may remember a blog from last fall called, “When in DROUGHT, turn to us!” that focused on water use restrictions and how ILACSD staff conserve water in their lives. As water restrictions have intensified, we wanted to make sure you’re are up-to-date. Read on to learn new ways to conserve water in your life!
State Mandates Water-Use Cuts
This means we all need to do our part to save water every day, every way
May is Water Awareness Month, and what we all need to be aware of is that the governor has ordered mandatory cuts in water use to start June 1. If we all do a little more to save water, it can add up to big savings for our region – in terms of water and avoiding financial penalties from the state.
Each local water agency has a conservation target to reach from June 2015 through February 2016. These cuts range from 8 to 36 percent depending on each agency’s level of per-capita water-use. If a member agency does not reach its conservation target in the coming months, the agency could face fines.
Summer is almost here, the peak season for water use.
Limit outdoor watering to two days per week, less if you can.- Leaks should be corrected immediately – sign up for your free WaterSmart Check up today!
- Decorative water fountains must use a recirculating pump.
- Use a broom to clear driveways, sidewalks and paved areas instead of a hose, which is prohibited.
Limit outdoor watering to two days per week, less if you can.Are you looking for even more ways to conserve water?
- Opt to stop watering you lawn areas and let them get a tan this summer! (forget Orange is the New Black, Brown is the new Green!)
- Shorten your showers. Shaving 1 minute off your shower time saves 150 gallons a month!
- Collect the warm-up water from your shower and use it to water plants.
- Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes.
- Turn off the faucet when washing, shaving or brushing teeth – you’ll save about 2 gallons per minute!
- Install water-efficient appliances and take advantage of rebates at WaterSmartSD.org.
Already doing everything to conserve? Share what you’re doing with SDCWA on Facebook and Twitter!
Check with your local water agency to see what restrictions are in place in your community. If you aren’t sure which member agency to contact, go to whenindrought.org for the member agency locator, more conservation tips, and rebate information.
Thank you for saving water every day, every way!