On April 1, 2015 the governor issued an Executive Order to guide California during this record long 4-year drought. This order included a 25% reduction in potable water usage, an initiative to help replace 50 million square feet of lawns with drought tolerant plans and a statewide appliance rebate program.
Many Californians are asking themselves “How can I reduce my water usage by 25%?” For those who have already replaced their high flow toilets with low flow energy efficient toilets as well as replacing other appliances it may seem like an impossible feat, but it is not.
Check your faucets for leaks, replace your lawn with drought tolerant plants (Click Here for information on the rebate program that could allow you to do this free of cost), Cut down your shower time or limit the number of showers you take a week, don’t leave faucets running waiting for the water to heat up (or collect this water to use for other household purposes), water your indoor plants sparingly and use the left over water from rinsing your dishes (or the shower water), you can even set-up a rain bucket outside to collect rain to use for indoor watering. Every little step you take will help conserve California’s water.
Have you taken all of these steps but not seen a reduction in your water usage? You may have a leak! Here are a few steps to take to see if there is a leak in your home.
Your water meter can help you determine whether your water-using fixtures or inside plumbing have inconspicuous leaks. It’s the best place to begin your search.
- Turn off all faucets and water-consuming appliances, including evaporative coolers and icemakers in refrigerators.
- Check the meter register for any movement of the numbers or the low-flow indicator and note the time.
- Check the meter register again after 15-30 minutes. Any movement indicates a leak.
- Turn off your house valve (all indoor and outdoor water). Check the meter register for any movement as described above.Any movement indicates a leak between the water meter and your home. If you suspect you have a leak, be sure to contact a plumber. And if you don’t, remember to check for leaks periodically.
Help California save water and protect yourself from potential usage fines!