Water Saving Tips

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Keep Conserving Water, Glendale: It's a California Way of Life

Being water conscious in and around our homes, businesses, schools and landscapes is part of our So Cal way of life. We’ve been lucky enough to get rain in Glendale lately, but that doesn’t mean the water supply shortage is over. Before the rain, Glendale’s water supply was solely dependent on water from the Colorado River. Since the rain and snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, we have more supply projected to come from the State Water Project, until we do, our source of supply is mainly the Colorado River system, which is still in a serious shortage.

GWP will remain in Phase III of the Mandatory Water Conservation Ordinance.

Phase III limits outside watering to two days a week: Tuesday’s and Saturday’s for no more than 10 minutes at each watering station.

Irrigation by a drip irrigation system or with low-flow sprinkler heads that require additional watering time are exempt from the time limitation, but such irrigation shall be limited to the permitted irrigation days and times of day.
Irrigation with a hand-held bucket or similar container, or a hand-held hose equipped with a water shut off nozzle or device are exempt from the ten (10) minute time limitation, but shall be limited to the permitted irrigation days and times of day.

Water Conservation Tips

Saving Water Indoors

Take 5 minute showers.
Purchase a low flow shower head.
Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Fix all leaky faucets.
Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait 30 minutes. If the food coloring seeps into the bowl, you have a leak.
Wash only full loads in the washing machine.
Wash only full loads in the dishwasher.
Capture tap water. While you wait for water to get hot in the shower or sink, catch the flow in a bucket or bowl and use this water for your house plants or garden.
Avoid taking baths. If you must fill your bathtub, try to fill it only halfway. A full bathtub uses 36 gallons of water.
Replace fixtures. Old fixtures tend to be inefficient. There is a good chance you can save water by replacing old fixtures.

Saving Water Outdoors

Check your irrigation system. Repair leaks, replace damaged sprinkler heads, and adjust sprinklers to avoid over-spray.
Do not hose down driveways, patios, stairs, or walkways. Use a broom or blower instead.
Don't leave the hose running while washing your car. Use a nozzle with an automatic shut off and a sponge and pail of soapy water.
Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Two inches of mulch will help hold the moisture in the ground and cool the root systems. Leave a six inch space between mulch and plant.
Set your lawn mower blades higher. Set a blade heights at 2 or 3 inches. Longer grass blades will reduce evaporation and shade the roots.
Step on your grass and see if it springs back when you lift your foot. If the grass springs back, no need to water today.
Use a pool cover for your swimming pool. This can reduce evaporation.
Install a drip irrigation system. A low-volume water irrigation system uses less water.
Water before 9:00 A.M. and after 6:00 P.M.
If rain is in the forecast, turn off sprinklers two days before the rain and keep them turned off two more days after.
In the winter, water your landscape only one day a week.
Retrofitting your garden with CA Friendly plants is one of the best ways to reduce water use in your landscape. Check out www.bewaterwise.com for more tips and tricks for conserving water. You can also see pictures of CA Friendly gardens at Calscape | California's Native Plant Gardening Destination.