Two websites give in-depth information about using water wisely. Kids can learn about good habits at www.ocwaterhero.com and conscientious citizens can find answers to many common questions at www.bewaterwise.com.  Below are some top tips for saving water.

WATER CONSERVATION TIPS FOR YOUR HOME 

In the Bathroom ...

• Take shorter showers. Shortening the time in the shower can save 2-5 gallons for each minute.
• Check toilets for leaks. Toilets are the most common source of leaks in the home. Put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and wait a few minutes. If the coloring appears in the toilet bowl, then the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank is leaking and may need to be replaced. Also, the water level inside the tank should be adjusted to about a half inch or so below the top of the overflow tube in the center of the tank. The toilet is leaking if the water level is at the top of the overflow tube. Flush the toilet and adjust the plunger ball to set the water level.
• Turn water off while brushing teeth and shaving.
• Dispose of trash in the wastebasket - never the toilet.
• Replace older shower heads (5-10 gallons/minute) with low-flow shower heads (2.5 gallons/min.)
• Replace older toilets (3-5 gallons/flush) with water saver toilets (1.6 gallons/flush)
• Repair dripping faucets. A dripping faucet can waste as much as 20 gallons/day.

In the Kitchen ...

• Use the dishwasher only for full loads.
• Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for a cool drink of water.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables in a pan or sink with water rather than a continuous running stream from the tap.
• Dispose of food scraps into the garbage can rather than rinsing into the garbage disposal.

In the Laundry ...

• Wash only full loads in the washing machine, or set the water level to an appropriate setting for each size load.
• Presoak heavily soiled laundry rather than running extra cycles.
• Invest in the newer high efficiency front load machines when it's time for a replacement. Rebates often reduce the initial cost and utility savings over the life of the appliance are significant.

Outside the Home ...

• Only water the lawn when it actually needs it. If the grass springs back when you step on it, there's no need to water.
• Water during the morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Don't water the lawn on windy days or when there is a chance of rain.
• Water only the lawn and and gardens and never the sidewalk, driveway, or porch. Runoff is waste! Eliminate one watering day each week for the easiest, most effective water savings.
• Don't permit children to play with the hose or sprinklers.
• Plant drought-resistant trees and plants, and place mulch around trees and plants to help retain moisture.
• Wash your cars using a bucket of soapy water, and only spray the hose for rinsing. Or, take your car to a local car wash that efficiently recycles water.
• Use a stiff broom and a dustpan instead of a hose to clean off paved driveways, sidewalks, or patios.

Simple Procedure to Check for Leaks...

1. Locate the water meter in your home. It is near where the water line enters your home.
2. Read the water meter twice. Once at night after the day's water use has ended. Then again, in the morning before any water is used. Subtract the difference. If there is a difference between the two readings, a fixture within the home or even outside the home is leaking.
3. Check fixtures for leaks and make needed repairs.

Take a few minutes to check for leaks. You can achieve significant water savings by following the advice offered, and ultimately, reduce your cost of sewer and water service. As always, you can contact our office at (714) 990-7778 or e-mail us waterbilling@cityofbrea.net with any questions you may have about water conservation.