California once again experiencing a rather severe drought this summer. Although mandatory restrictions and rationing have not yet been 
put into effect, it is a time for everyone to be more aware of their water usage and try to conserve as much as they can.
Tips to Save Water and Money
1. Take advantage of rebates on water saving appliances. The SoCal Water$mart 2013-2014 program is now available! Rebates are available on these qualifying products, high-efficiency toilet ($50 per toilet), high-efficiency clothes washers (starting at $85), weather based irrigation controllers (WBICs) starting at $80/controller and rotating sprinkler nozzles starting at $4/nozzle. For more information and a rebate calculator go to http://www.socalwatersmart.com/index.php/qualifyingproducts
2. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month. Also, washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
3. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
4. Replace shower heads with more efficient models. If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the shower head with a water-efficient model. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
5. Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
6. If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank. Our favorite device is a half-gallon plastic juice container. Remove any paper or plastic label on the outside of the container. Fill it at least partially with pebbles, sand, or gravel – whatever is handy. Then add water if more weight is needed. This tip alone can save your family up to 350 gallons per month.
7. Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time.
8. Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more. We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
9. Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. We use about 50 percent of our water outside, if you could save your water, it would definitely reduce your water bill, and reduce consumption.
10. Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
If you’re looking for a professional Plumber or more about Save Water and Money, then please call us today at (858-536-4161) or complete our online request form.
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