Efficient Water Use Information

EARN YOUR BLUE THUMB

It's easy to earn your Blue Thumb. You don't have to rip out your entire lawn and replace it with low-water use plants. There are lots of every-day things you can do to use water efficiently outdoors. CLICK HERE for more information on earning your Blue Thumb (sponsored by Regional Water Authority).

RULES OF THUMB FOR WATER-WISE GARDENING

Planning is the first step for a successful water-wise garden. A well-planned landscape will save you money, time and water. CLICK HERE for Regional Water Authority's Rules of Thumb for Water-Wise Gardening.

WATER EFFIICIENT LANDSCAPE GARDENS

Click here for a list of water efficient landscape (WEL) gardens in the Sacramento region.

EFFICIENT WATER USE IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!
You can start efficient water use in your home today. Here are some tips to save water:

  • Do not let the water run needlessly when washing dishes, shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • Take shorter showers...keeping showers to less than 5 minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
  • Plug the bathtub before turning the water on and then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
  • Fix leaky faucets: just one drip a second can waste 2,000 gallons of water per year.
  • If practical, try to run the dishwasher or washing machine only when completely full.
  • Water your lawn only when necessary and consider landscaping with native plants adaptable to your climate's conditions.

If you have a water leak in your water system that requires your water to be shut off, CLICK HERE for information on how to shut off your water.

WATER USE TIPS

Here are estimates of how much water is used in homes with fixtures that are not low-flow or water saving devices.

  Toilet flush = 6 gallons

  Shower = 7 gallons per minute

  Bath = 28 gallons

  Automatic dishwasher cycle = 15 gallons

  Washing dishes by hand = 20 gallons

By applying simple, common sense water-saving measures to our daily lives, we will ensure a plentiful water supply for years to come. CLICK HERE for some water use efficiency tips.

WATER WISE GARDENING
Looking to install beautiful, low-maintenance landscaping that won’t bust your budget?
A world of ideas just a few mouse clicks away... www.rwah2o.org

  • Garden Tours
  • Garden Gallery
  • Search by plant names, characteristics
  • Plant Lists and Information
  • Problem Solving
  • Garden Resource Section
  • Water Conservation Tips

Here are some other plant and gardening resources:

   California Native Plant Link Exchange

   California Native Plant Society

   Fair Oaks Horticulture Center

   Water Saver Home