With Governor Newsom’s expanded drought emergency executive order calling for Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15 percent from their 2020 levels, it is a good time to remember that water consumption historically has increased during the hot summer months, but it doesn’t have to. The most recent edition of the Joshua Basin Water District’s Tier Drop newsletter offers some tips to help keep your water use in check. Reporter Mike Lipsitz tells us what they are…
- Make sure hoses are equipped with water shut-off nozzles.
- Turn off your evaporative cooler when you’re away; swamp coolers can use from six to 13 gallons per hour.
- Direct kid’s water play near thirsty plants and limit the water play by using a hose timer.
- Landscape watering should be done before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Warm water can cause slime buildup in your toilet tank and flapper preventing a good water seal between flushes.
- Inspect your water meter for signs of leaks which can start small and run unnoticed. Most meters have a slow leak indicator that can help you determine if water loss is happening.
- Wash vehicles near trees or other thirsty landscaping that could use the runoff.
- Cover your swimming pool to reduce evaporation.
