WATER CONSERVATION

Water Efficient Landscaping

Water Conservation is an important, low-cost method of preserving our water supply. By using less water, by using water-efficient landscaping or refraining from water use altogether, conserving water is a critical part of an effective water supply program.

Water conservation is more than a technique; it's a “green” ethic and mindset. In addition, since saving water means other, more costly means of acquiring water are not needed, water conservation is the cheapest, lowest-cost alternative to augmenting local water supplies. Water conservation is not a new approach. However, it is receiving more attention and is in wider use than ever before. And there is increasingly sophisticated equipment, technology, materials and procedures that enable water conservation to be more and more effective.

Here in California and the San Gabriel Valley, cities, water districts, water companies, and utilities are deeply involved in public education efforts that promote water conservation. Informing residents and employers about water conservation and saving water is a top priority of the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District's public education program. The reason is simple: water conservation costs little to nothing to implement and the water and financial savings can be substantial.

In and around southern California, cities and water agencies are reporting significant reductions in water usage due to various water conservation measures. Mandatory water conservation techniques include:

• Rationing ordinances
• Restricted day/time watering ordinances
• Fines and penalties for violating water use ordinances
• Price increases

New technological solutions and voluntary water conservation techniques include:

• Water efficient behavior such as shorter showers and turning off the water when brushing your teeth
• Sophisticated technology such as satellite-based weather monitoring stations and “smart” water timers
• Low-flush and waterless toilets that use less or no water
• Recycled water approaches such as indirect potable reuse systems and greywater systems that capture and reuse potable water
• Equipment such as flow restrictors, spray nozzles, sprinkler heads, and pool and spa covers
• Outdoor shading and landscaping that reduce evaporation of water and cool indoor/outdoor areas
• Water-efficient grasses, plants and landscaping
• Water and energy-efficient clothes and dish washing machines
• Rebate programs that provide financial incentives to purchase water and energy efficient appliances

For more information about water conservation, please view the Water District's water saving tips sheets and water saving tips video.

• Water saving tip sheets for home
• Water saving tip sheets for business
• Water saving tips video