Water Usage


Our use of water increases each summer. Most of this water is used outdoors for lawn watering. In a typical home the distribution during summer months is faucets - 7%, toilets - 20%, dishwasher - 2%, bath/shower - 18%, laundry - 13% and outdoors - 40%. With our arid climate, growing population, agricultural needs, and fragile environment, water conservation is a way of life in California. Here are some things to consider:

  • lawn sprinkler head spurting waterA lawn needs about one inch of water per week - about one hour of sprinkling.
  • Water evaporates quickly during the heat of the day. Watering early in the morning or early in the evening is best. Watering late at night sometimes causes problems with mold and fungus.
  • Less frequent watering encourages deeper, healthier lawn roots.
  • A good way to see if your lawn needs water is to step on the grass. If the lawn springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water.
  • A lawn retains more moisture if grass blades are kept between 1.5 to 2.0 inches in length - no shorter.
  • Periodically check each automatic irrigation system to identify leaks and breaks; to make sure the sprinkler heads are not clogged, missing, or damaged; and to confirm that the timer is still set to water at the best time.
  • Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering paved areas such as sidewalks and driveways.
  • Plant drought resistant trees and plants.
  • Put a layer of mulch around trees and shrubs to reduce evaporation.
  • Use a spring-loaded nozzle so that water won't flow when you aren't using the hose.
  • Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
  • Use a bucket when washing your car.

There are things to consider indoors, too:

  • drip from a water faucetKeep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap until the water turns cold.
  • Use your automatic dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
  • Put bathroom trash in a wastebasket rather than flushing it down the toilet.
  • Install water saving showerheads and flow restrictors on faucets. Minimize your shower time. A shower uses approximately five gallons of water per minute.
  • Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Fixing the smallest drip from a worn washer can save 20 gallons or more a day.
  • When cleaning fruits and vegetables use a basin of water rather than running the tap. Use the remaining water for plants and gardens.
 
City of Concord CA