Energy Management and Utility Services Water | Energy Management and Utility Services

Water Conservation Tips for the Campus & Home

One of the biggest causes of high water usage is running toilets. Adjust the water level in the tank and ensure the rubber flapper is not worn.
Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving or scrubbing dishes. Save 2 gallons per minute.
Trim a minute or two off your shower and collect water in a bucket for plants while the water is warming up. Save 2.5 gallons per minute.
Fill the bathtub halfway for bathing. Save 15 to 25 gallons per bath.
Fix leaky faucets. Save up to 15 to 20 gallons each day per leak.
Install aerators with flow restrictors on kitchen and bathroom faucets. Save 4.7 gallons per day.
Wash only full loads of laundry. Save up to 16 gallons per load.
Fill your sink or basin when washing and rinsing dishes. When cooking, peel and clean vegetables in a large bowl of water instead of under running water.
Do not use the garbage disposal to dispose of food waste. Place food waste in the trash, or composting is a great alternative.

Repair irrigation line leaks and broken sprinkler heads. Save up to 10 gallons per minute per leak.
Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray and runoff. Save up to 15 to 25 gallons per day.
Don’t over water. (1) Reduce each irrigation cycle by 1 to 3 minutes or eliminate one irrigation cycle per week. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. (2) Replace batteries in your irrigation controller each spring and fall, and adjust your programming based on the season. Save 15 to 25 gallons for each minute; up to 250 gallons per cycle.
Use a hose nozzle that shuts off when you release the handle. Save up to 18 gallons per minute.
Water in the late evening or early morning to reduce evaporation and interference from wind. Save 20 to 25 gallons per day.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over planting areas, keeping the mulch 6 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to avoid mildew. Save 20 to 30 gallons per day per 1,000 square feet.
Install drip irrigation systems for trees, shrubs and flowers to get water to plant roots more efficiently. Save 20 to 25 gallons per day.
Turn off your irrigation 1 to 3 days before it’s expected to rain. Turn it back on when your soil is dry.
Harvest rainwater that would otherwise go down the gutter. Unless you have a very large system, you probably won't see a difference on your water bill, but every drop helps California and reduces storm water pollution.