According to the California Department of Water Resources, 2021 has been the driest year in California's history since 1924, only receiving about 12 inches of rain and snow. Water is one of the most critical aspects of our everyday lives, which is why we must make sure we work hard to conserve it!
Prepare and Prevent, Don't Repair and Repent
Benjamin Franklin once said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail," which is why we have created this how-to guide to make sure you're ready in case the drought in California doesn't get any better in 2022.
Indoor Water Conservation Tips
Fix Leaks Fast
According to the EPA, leaks are responsible for the waste of 10,000 gallons of water every year. Stats like that is why it's essential to identify and fix leaks early.
If you have noticed an unusually high water bill recently, or you see your water meter has dropped after a two-hour period when no water is being used, you probably have a leak. The easiest way to find where the water is coming from is by contacting the professionals at Benicia Plumbing, Inc., who are expertly trained in detecting and fixing leaks.
On top of fixing leaks helping conserve our water supply, it will also save you money and protect your home from structural damage.
Shorten Your Showers
Who doesn't love a nice long hot shower after a long day or even to start your morning? Unfortunately, these long showers are more of a burden on our water supply than you know.
The average showerhead uses slightly more than 2 gallons of water per minute, so if you take 10-minute showers, that is 20 gallons per shower, which if you shower daily amounts to about 7,280 gallons a year! If you were to just cut your shower time down to 5 minutes, you would potentially be saving thousands of gallons annually.
Install WaterSense Showerheads
If giving up your long showers is killing you, there is another resolution. Having a technician install a showerhead with the WaterSense label can save more water than it takes to wash 88 loads of laundry.
Install high-efficiency toilets
Since the ‘80s technology has made incredible advances. Our phones and computers are all smaller, better, and faster, so don't you think it's time to upgrade your porcelain throne too?
According to Heather Cooley, the director of research for the Pacific Institute, if your toilet is from the ‘80s it could be using as much as 6 gallons per flush. Meanwhile, newer water-efficient toilets only use about 1.28 gallons per flush, which is more than a 75% decrease in water used.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
Replace Lawn and Plants With Native Species
While beautiful and lush, our lawns place a significant burden on our water supply. According to the EPA, watering lawns and gardens account for 60% of the average American household's water usage in the western United States.
Native plants and grass have evolved for centuries to be able to stand up to California's dry weather. Unlike non-native gardens and lawns, this greenery should rely only on the rain and maybe an occasional watering to stay alive.
Sweep Your Driveway
Nobody wants any area of their home to look ugly, especially not a part that is right out front facing the whole neighborhood. However, we reportedly waste as much as 150 gallons of water on washing driveways, sidewalks, walkways, or parking areas. Utilizing a broom instead of water can benefit both conservation efforts and yourself, as the reduced use will also help save some money on your water bill.
