water conservation...

Be water wise...

In our semi-arid climate with an unpredictable water cycle, conserving water is the surest way to secure water for future generations. The good news is that it can be painless... if you use only as much as you need.

Did you know that the majority of household water use occurs outside of the home?  Depending on your lot size, between 30 and 70 percent of all the water you use is soaked up by your landscape.

And on top of that, you're probably overwatering.  Research has shown that the average homeowner overwaters his or her landscape by five feet a year.  For easy tools to help you save water go to www.sbwater.org and see tips below.

• use low-water landscaping.
• maintain sprinkler systems and use them sparingly; consider using drip irrigation.
• water grass early or late in the day -- before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m during the months of May through September -- to reduce evaporation. water summer grass deeply every third day.
• For information on finding or becoming a professional gardner who can make your landscape healthy and beautiful without wasting resources, visit www.greengardener.org.
• adjust sprinklers so they water your landscape -- not the sidewalk.
• use dry clean-up methods, such as sweeping.
• check all faucets, showerheads and toilets regularly for leaks.
• turn off the water while shaving, washing hands or brushing teeth.
• use the washing machine and dishwasher only when there is enough for a full load.
• take shorter showers.
• replace showerhead and other water fixtures with water-saving low-flow devices.

Visit the Water Conservation Home Page page for more information on water conservation and water resources in the City of Santa Barbara.

See also on this site clean creeks and oceans, Project Clean Water links, and in the yard for more ideas.

For more information on how to conserve water, call (805) 564-5460, or email Alison Jordan at the City of Santa Barbara Water Resources Division.