Tips for saving water with the continuing dry weather and restricted water supplies.

In response to Governor Schwarzenegger’s statewide drought
proclamation in June, the Santa Clarita Valley Water Suppliers has prepared a
voluntary water conservation action plan, which calls on residents and
businesses in the area to take reasonable actions to reduce water use and
eliminate waste.

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Suggestions for Wise Water Use:

• Sprinklers should be maintained and adjusted so overspray,
  runoff and water waste is avoided. The most effective and water-efficient
  irrigation should be used, and drip irrigation should be considered where
  appropriate.
• All leaks in plumbing and irrigation systems should be
  repaired promptly.
• Vehicles should be washed using a hose equipped with an
  automatic shutoff nozzle.
• Sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots and any other
  hard-surface areas should not be washed down, except for health and safety
  reasons.
• Low-water-use native or drought-tolerant vegetation should be
  used to minimize the need for irrigation. Plants and trees with similar water
  needs should be grouped together for most efficient irrigation.
• Landscape should be installed in a manner which will reduce
  the amount of water needed for irrigation. For example, the use of mulches and
  watering basins is encouraged where appropriate.
• Outdoor irrigation of all vegetation including lawns and
  landscaping should be limited to three times per week and no more than 10
  minutes per watering station. Irrigation should occur during optimal watering
  hours, avoiding wind and heat. The following hours are considered the most
  efficient hours for customers to effectively irrigate lawns and landscaped areas:
  November through April 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.;
  May through October 8 p.m. to 9 a.m.
• Water usage on any decorative fountains, ponds or other
  types of water streams should be minimized by incorporating a water recycling
  system so the water is continually recovered and reused.
• Pool and spa safety covers or evaporation-reducing water
  treatments should be considered if safe and appropriate for the situation.
  These will help minimize water loss due to evaporation. Pool and spa chemistry
  should be balanced and maintained to help reduce the frequency of pool/spa draining
  and refilling.
• All leaks and damage to faucets, toilets and indoor pipes
  should be repaired immediately.
• Low-flow devices for indoor plumbing fixtures including
  faucets, kitchen spray nozzles, toilets and showers should be used wherever possible.
• Install 1.3 or less gallon per flush high efficiency toilets
  or .08/1.6 gallon per flush dual-flush toilets.
• Water-efficient Energy Star approved appliances including,
  but not limited to, clothes washers and dishwashers should be used.
• Clothes washers and dishwashers should be run using full
  loads to maximize water efficiency.
• A source-specific hot water dispenser or a whole-house hot
  water recirculation system should be considered. These devices generate hot
  water within seconds, minimizing running the water until it is hot.
• All commercial establishments where food and beverages are
  provided should encourage the serving of water to their customers only when
  specifically requested by the customer.