Despite the wet winter, California is facing a significant drought crisis. Sacramentans can do their part to help conserve water in California. You can save anywhere from 10 to 100 gallons of water daily by making small changes to your daily routine, and help Sacramento reach its goal of becoming the Most Livable City in America.

Here are some top ways to conserve water by making small changes inside and outside your home.

Water Conservation Tips for Inside Your Home

Take shorter showers 

Limit your shower time to five minutes or less, as this can save up to 12.5 gallons of water per shower. Consider investing in a water-efficient showerhead to make your shower even more efficient.

Fill your bathtub halfway or less

Filling your bathtub only halfway can save up to 12 gallons of water per bath. Alternatively, take a shower instead of a bath to save even more water.

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving

You don't need water constantly running while brushing your teeth or shaving. Get into the habit of turning off the tap during these activities to save up to 10 gallons of water per person daily.

Wash full loads of clothes and dishes

Make sure your washing machine and dishwasher are completely full before starting them. This can save up to 45 gallons of water per load of clothes and up to 15 gallons per load of dishes.

Install water-efficient appliances

Consider investing in water-efficient appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets. These appliances use less water than traditional models, which can help you save significant water over time.

Fix leaks

Keep a leaky faucet or hose connection from being repaired, as even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water per year.

Water Conservation Tips for Outside Your Home

Adjust your lawn mower blade setting

Set your lawn mower blades to a height of 3 inches or higher. This can encourage deeper roots and reduce water usage by up to 50 gallons per day.

Don't overwater your lawn

Overwatering your lawn can lead to wasteful runoff and promote the growth of weeds. Make sure to water your lawn only when necessary and adjust your irrigation system as needed.

Improve your irrigation system

Outdoor irrigation accounts for 50% of residential water usage, so it's crucial to ensure your irrigation system is as efficient as possible. Consider using a weather-based irrigation controller and watering one day less per week to save up to 8,800 gallons of water annually.

Use a broom to clean outdoor areas

Instead of using a hose to clean your patio or walkway, use a broom instead. This can save up to 18 gallons of water per minute.

Use mulch in your garden

Adding mulch to your garden can help to retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering. Mulch also helps to prevent weeds from growing, which can compete with your plants for water.

Water your plants in the morning or evening

Watering your plants in the early morning or late evening can help to reduce evaporation and ensure that the water is absorbed by the soil, rather than evaporating into the air.

Consider xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that uses plants native to your area that require minimal watering. Consider incorporating xeriscaping into your lawn or garden to reduce your water usage.

Let nature do the watering

If it's raining outside, turn off your sprinklers and let nature take care of the watering for you. This can save a significant amount of water, especially if you have a large lawn or garden.

Use a pool cover

If you have a swimming pool, consider using a pool cover when the pool is not in use. This can help to reduce evaporation, which can save a significant amount of water over time.

By implementing these additional water conservation tips, you can further reduce your water usage and help to conserve this precious resource. Your water conservation efforts can help Sacramento and its surrounding communities conserve water and make for a more sustainable future for all.