Water Conservation Tips

Outdoor Tips: between 50% - 80% of the average home's water use goes outside to the garden!

1. Use the watering calculator and index at
   bewaterwise.com to know exactly how much
   water your plants need.
   
   
2. Call the Vallecitos Water District Conservation
   Dept. for a FREE Landscape Survey: (760) 744-0460
   
   
3. Check your sprinkler system for leaks. Find out
   how by visiting our "Landscape Maintenance" page!
   
    
4. Use California Friendly plant and/or California Native
   plants to reduce the overall use of water in your
   landscape.
   
   
5. Consider replacing seldom-used turf areas, since
   turf is the thirstiest plant in our area!
   
   
6. If you insist on having turf, set your lawn mower
   blade higher.
   
   
7. Adjust your sprinkler timer seasonally to meet the
   needs of Mother Nature. Fall and winter do not
   require the same amount of water as summer
   due to shorter days and lessened sunlight.
   
   
8. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways
   and walkways. Consider a waterbroom if your
   situation requires pavement scrubbing.
   
   
9. Mulch! Add either organic or inorganic mulches
   around your plants. Mulch greatly helps to reduce
   evaporation - ultimately keeping the moisture in the
   soil where the plants need it!
   
   
10. Avoid invasive plants! Check the list at caleppc.org
    to make sure invasive plants are not taking over your landscape. Many are capable of out-competing your plants for water and can actually lower the water table.

Indoor Tips: use what you need, but be aware of waste!

1. Check your house for leaks! Common leaks include: toilets, washing machines, faucets, and under-the-sink leaks. VWD provides a FREE plumbing handbook to residents. Call the Conservation Dept. for more information: 744-0460.
   
   
2. Upgrade old fixtures and appliances so they are water efficient. Visit our "Conservation Rebates" page for information on incentives.
   
   
3. Don't leave the water running while shaving or brushing your teeth!
   
   
4. Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes in your automatic washers.
   
   
5. If washing your dishes by hand, do not leave the water running. Fill one side of the sink for wash water and the other for rinsing.
   
   
6. Do not defrost under running water!