There are multiple ways to help conserve water without causing disruption to day-to-day life activities. This page provides a small number of suggested adjustments that in addition to conserving water, you can count on for bigger savings on your yearly water bill.

Always check your local water district’s restrictions as those always take precedents to the recommendations on this page.

Conservation Around the House

Fix Leaks - Five Minute Whole House Leak Detection Test

1. Turn off all faucets throughout the house (washing machine hook-ups, bath, etc.) to assure no water is running. Be sure to check all automatic water users such as an irrigation system or an automatic ice maker.
2. Watch the small dial on the water meter for three to five minutes.  To check for very slow leaks, turn your water off over night, read your meter once at night and again in the morning.  If you have a water softener, check yon a night when you are not recharging.
3. If your meter moves, you probably have a leak.

Be mindful that some local water districts require leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions must be repaired as soon as five business days.

Quick Installations

Even quick installations can make a marked difference in your household water use.  Try installing aerators, water-efficient shower heads and low-flow toilets to save even more water.

Conservation Around the Yard

• Water early in the morning
• Reposition sprinklers away from pavement to avoid runoff
• Switch to drip irrigation
• Install rain shut off devices
• Avoid watering outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall (0.25")
• Recycle household water in a gray water system, remember to use biodegradable soaps to avoid harming plants with chemicals

Need help finding the right plants? The links below provide databases that help narrow down choosing the right plants based on water needs.

Water Use Classification of Landscape Species | Database of Landscape Species Water Needs
Calscape | Database of California Native Plants

Importance of Trees

Improved air quality

• Provides shade
  • Cool streets and homes = reducing energy cost
  • Shaded landscape requires less water = reducing water usage
• Replenish groundwater by slowing stormwater runoff

Tree Care Tips

• Water young trees with water collected in a 5-gallon bucket while waiting for your shower to warm up
• Add mulch
• Tree watering guidelines can be found at Canopy.org

Additional Resources

Water Conservation

Save Our Water
Water Use It Wisely | 100+ Water-Saving Tips
Save Our Water | 20% Reduction in Average Daily Use
Save Our Water | 20% Reduction in Outdoor Water Use
Save Our Water | 20% Reduction in Garden Use
City of Folsom | Irrigation Basics Brochure
CalWater | Water-Use Restrictions for Chico, Oroville, and Willows

Trees