It’s Time to Turn Sprinklers Off for Winter
SACRAMENTO– Sacramento-area residents conserved 27 percent in October compared to the same month in 2013, according to an analysis by the Regional Water Authority (RWA), which represents water providers in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo and Sutter counties. The findings come from a review of October water use data submitted to RWA and the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board).
“Sacramento-area customers are continuing to do an outstanding job at conserving water,” said RWA Water Efficiency Program Manager Amy Talbot. “As we enter the rainy season, now’s the time to turn off sprinklers for winter and focus on conserving water indoors.”
RWA and local water providers offer the following tips:
- Limit shower time: Less time in the shower can pay off with big savings, even if you already have a water-efficient showerhead. Keeping showers to five minutes (instead of 10) will save 12.5 gallons every time.
- Check plumbing and appliances for leaks and fix them within 48 hours: Steady faucet drips and running toilets are common sources of leaks that can waste thousands of gallons of water each month. Fixing them can be as simple as replacing a washer or toilet flapper. When you find leaks, be sure to turn off water to the problem area until it can be repaired.
- Invest in high-efficiency appliances: With the holidays just around the corner, treat someone (or yourself) to a new high-efficiency clothes washer, toilet, showerhead or faucet. Be sure to look for the WaterSense label. Several water providers offer rebates to help offset costs.
- Wash only full loads of laundry: Waiting until the washer is full can save 15 to 45 gallons per load, depending upon the efficiency of your machine. Other water-wise laundry tips: Wash clothes in cold water (which will also retain their color) to save energy, select the minimum amount of water required per load (for machines with a variable water volume setting) and use the shortest wash cycle for lightly soiled clothes.
Additional water-saving tips plus information about rebates and free services available to help residents use less water is available at BeWaterSmart.info.
About the Regional Water Authority: RWA is a joint powers authority representing two dozen water providers and affiliates in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources.
