Take Shorter Showers
For every minute you shave off your shower time, save 1,000 gallons per year. Five minutes or less should do the job!
Install low-flow shower heads. Some older shower heads put out 4 to 5 gallons per minute. Replace with a new water-saving head that uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute and save 11,000 gallons per year for a family of four.
Install a High Efficiency Toilet
Replacing a pre-1993, 3.5 gallon flush toilet with a 1.28 gallon HET toilet can save over 12,000 gallons per year. The City offers rebates up to $125 per toilet replacement for qualifying models (PDF).
Check Your Toilet for Leaks
A leaking or running toilet wastes 1,000s of gallons per month. If you hear water running, you may have a faulty fill valve or leaking flapper. Check, and replace or adjust. The City can help you identify problems and replace flapper valves. Call 805-227-7250 to schedule a Home Water Survey.
Use Your Clothes Washer Only for Full Loads
The typical washer uses 45 to 50 gallons per load. Most washers have a water level setting. Use the medium or small setting when appropriate.
Replace Your Clothes Washer
Replace your clothes washer with a new high-efficiency model that uses only 15 gallons per load, and save as much as 12,000 gallons per year. PG&E provides rebates of $50 for qualifying models.
Don't Let That Faucet Run
It’s a no-brainer. In the bathroom and in the kitchen, minimize the amount of water you send down the drain to reduce water and sewer bills.