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YEAR-ROUND WATER CONSERVATION BMP'S | STAGE 1 SHORTAGE WARNING | STAGE 2 MODERATE SHORTAGE | STAGE 3 SIGNIFICANT SHORTAGE | STAGE 4 SEVERE SHORTAGE | STAGE 5 CRITICAL SHORTAGE | STAGE 6 EMERGENCY SHORTAGE |
Updated 2/2/2022
Weather changes so should your irrigation! To find out how to set a sprinkler timer and for how long (click here).
What Can I Do? | H20 Savings |
Fill Up Bathtub Halfway or Less | 12 gallons per bath |
Fix Leaks | 110 gallons per month |
Install Sink Faucet Aerators | 1.2 gallons per person per day |
Install High Efficiency Toilets | 19 gallons per person per day |
Take 5-minute Showers | 12.5 gallons per shower |
Turn Off Water When Brushing Teeth or Shaving | 10 gallons per person per day |
Wash Full Loads of Clothes | 15-45 gallons per load |
Wash Full Loads of Dishes | 5-15 gallons per load |
Scrape Food Off of Dishes Instead of Pre-rinsing | 20 gallons per load |
For More Water Saving Tips Click on the Links: Smart Home H2O Guide, Save our Water, Alliance for Water Efficiency Home Water Conservation 101 SMWD's Home Water Saving Tips Handout: Click Here How much water do you use? Home Water Calculator Tool: Click Here |
What Can I Do? | H20 Savings |
Use Water-wise Trees and Shrubs | Save 30- 50% water in areas converted from grass |
Adjust Sprinkler Heads to Prevent Water Waste | 12-15 gallons each time you water |
Test Run Irrigation Each Month and Fix Leaks | Up to 6,300 gallons per month |
Use a Broom to Clean Outdoor Areas | 8-18 gallons per minute |
Set Lawn Mower Blades to 3" | 16-50 gallons per day |
Use Mulch in Planter Areas | 20-30 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water |
Install Drip Irrigation and Add a Smart Controller | 15 gallons each time you water |
Wash Vehicles at a Carwash That Recycles It's Water | 8-18 gallons per minute |
Use a Pool or Spa Cover | Reduces evaporation, less need to refill |
Install a 'Smart' Sprinkler Timer | 24+ gallons per day |
For More Water Saving Tips Click on the Links: Smart Home H2O Guide, Save our Water, Alliance for Water Efficiency Home Water Conservation 101 |
Trees make our communities livable. They sequester carbon, improve air quality, and keep neighborhoods cool on hot days. During times of water shortage and active conservation, don't turn off the irrigation completely. Consider prioritizing the trees on your property and keep them healthy and watered. We can't risk losing this precious investment in our future. LEARN MORE
If you are considering planting a new tree and need some inspiration, CLICK HERE for SMWD's tree-focused climate-friendly garden styles.
Follow us on Instagram @SMWDwater
Check out the smwd.com/plants page to see the current super performers from our demonstration garden. All of these spectacular plants are climate-appropriate!
Name: Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
Size: 1'-3' tall x 3'-6' wide
Bloom Season: Summer-Fall
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