Smart water use begins inside and is remarkably easy. Your home is full of places where little changes can add up to big water savings.

The most important step is to simply be aware of your water use. Most water waste comes from a lack of attention, whether to a leaky toilet or a running faucet.

To help get you started, check out these hints on ways to limit wasted water inside your home.

Check sinks and showers for drips.
Install aerators on faucets.
Consider upgrading to a more efficient dishwasher.
Run the dishwasher only when full.
Check your ice machine for leaks.
Thaw food in the refrigerator, not under running water.
Consider getting a more efficient washing machine.
Wash only full loads of laundry.
If you must run a smaller load, adjust the water level.
Install a low-flow showerhead and take shorter showers.
Consider getting a low-flow toilet; old models use about twice as much water.
Check for a toilet leak by putting five drops of food coloring into the toilet bowl. Wait several minutes, if color is in the bowl, there’s a leak.

When people are asked to think about reducing water use, the first thing that comes to mind is water used inside the home for drinking, cooking and cleaning. But for many Pass Area households, as much as 70% of the water consumed is used outdoors.

Limiting outdoor water use will help us preserve water for the future. Try some of the tips below to conserve water outdoors.

Lower the water level of your pool to reduce water loss from splashing.
Lower the temperature on your heated pool.
Only backwash pool filters when necessary. Keeping filters clean reduces the need for backwashing.
Only drain your pool when necessary.
Only run fountains and waterfalls when entertaining to avoid water loss from aeration.
Consider using drought-tolerant landscaping instead of grass.
Check your sprinkler system for leaks and spray area.
Install aerators on sprinkler heads.
Use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
When cleaning patios or driveways, use a broom, not a hose.

Indoor Tips

Smart water use begins inside and is remarkably easy. Your home is full of places where little changes can add up to big water savings.

The most important step is to simply be aware of your water use. Most water waste comes from a lack of attention, whether to a leaky toilet or a running faucet.

To help get you started, check out these hints on ways to limit wasted water inside your home.

Check sinks for dripping faucets.
Install aerators on faucets.
Consider upgrading to a more efficient dishwasher.
Run the dishwasher only when full.
Check your ice machine for leaks.
Thaw food in the refrigerator, not under running water.
Consider getting a more efficient washing machine.
Wash only full loads of laundry.
If you must run a smaller load, adjust the water level.
Check the sink and shower for dripping faucets.
Install a low-flow showerhead and an aerator on your faucet.
Consider getting a low-flow toilet; old models use about twice as much water.
Check for a toilet leak by putting five drops of food coloring into the toilet bowl. Wait several minutes, if color is in the bowl, there’s a leak.

Outdoor Tips

When people are asked to think about reducing water use, the first thing that comes to mind is water used inside the home for drinking, cooking and cleaning. But for many California households, as much as 70% of the water consumed is used outdoors.

All this water use provides ample opportunity for big water savings! Review the tips listed here for information about water efficient landscaping that is both beautiful and able to thrive in California, even during dry seasons.

Check sinks for dripping faucets.
Install aerators on faucets.
Consider upgrading to a more efficient dishwasher.
Run the dishwasher only when full.
Check your ice machine for leaks.
Thaw food in the refrigerator, not under running water.
Consider getting a more efficient washing machine.
Wash only full loads of laundry.
If you must run a smaller load, adjust the water level.
Check the sink and shower for dripping faucets.
Install a low-flow showerhead and an aerator on your faucet.
Consider getting a low-flow toilet; old models use about twice as much water.
Check for a toilet leak by putting five drops of food coloring into the toilet bowl. Wait several minutes, if color is in the bowl, there’s a leak.

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