Water Saving Tips

Indoors

Find and fix leaks: If you suspect that you have a leak, ACWD can help. We can explain how to do a leak check at the meter, or provide a "How to Read Your Water Meter" brochure that describes the leak check process. Finding and fixing leaks is the number one thing you can do to save water and money.
In the bathroom: Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and shaving. Take shorter showers. Install water saving devices such as low flow shower heads and faucet aerators. Replace old toilets with newer, water efficient models.
In the kitchen: Run your dishwasher only when you have full loads. Install a low flow faucet aerator.
In the laundry room: Run your clothes washer only when you have a full load. Install a high efficiency clothes washer.

In the garden:
- Water in the early morning before the sun is overhead. Water your landscaping no more than three days per week in the summer. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. Turn your sprinkler system down in the fall, and off in the winter.
- Use a cycle and soak method to prevent runoff, in other words, run the sprinkler for shorter intervals 2-3 times during the day instead of one long period.
- Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering the sidewalk or driveway.
- Install drip irrigation for shrubs, trees and gardens. Use mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Reduce lawn areas and choose native and drought tolerant plants for your landscape.
Outside: Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose. When cleaning your sidewalk or driveway, use a broom instead of a hose. Get your car washed at a commercial car wash that recycles water.

Check out our water conservation links and our resources page to find more tips and online technical assistance from ACWD's partner organizations. Request additional water conservation information through our online Brochure Request Form, by contacting ACWD's Water Conservation Department at (510) 668-4218, or email the Water Conservation Team.