Tips for Residents

Here are some easy things you and your family can do around the house to help conserve water. For more tips, take the "home tour" at www.h2ouse.org.

In The Home

• Install a low-flow showerhead, and take only five-minute showers or three-inch baths.
• Make sure all of the faucets have aerators.
• Fix all leaky toilets, faucets and pipes.
• Run only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
• Install low-flow toilets and high-efficiency washing machines.

Lawn, Garden and Outdoors

• Determine how long you should set the timer for watering by observing when it starts to run off into the gutter.
• Set your timer to water during the evening or morning to prevent rapid evaporation during the heat of day. Be sure to follow your city's watering guidelines.
• Maintain and adjust your sprinkler system regularly to avoid watering cement.
• Use a nozzle on your hose that can be shut off or adjusted to a fine spray.
• Use a broom or rake rather than a hose to remove leaves and debris from driveways, walkways, lawns, patios and pool decks.
• Select drought-tolerant plants for your garden. Visit the Clovis Botanical Garden to see their collection of water-wise, Mediterranean climate trees, shrubs and perennials.
• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when the pool is not being used.

In the Garage

• Use a car wash that recycles water, or wash the car at home on the lawn instead of the driveway.
• Wash your car with a bucket, sponge and a hose with a shut-off valve.

Last updated 03-06-08