Be Water Wise!

One of the most important things you can do this summer is practice water-smart conservation. This does not mean that you have to let your outdoor plants dry up and die; it means that you can achieve the same results by using your water wisely. Did you know that most households in this high desert community use about 60 percent of the household water for outside uses? By changing your watering habits you can save hundreds of gallons of water on a daily basis. An example would be how much water is used when cleaning the driveway or sidewalks. If you spent 15 minutes using a broom instead of a hose you could possibly save over 200 gallons of water. That’s more water than an adult needs for the entire day! 

The most recent information indicates that we are in the beginning of an extended drought period that may last up to 20 years. It is imperative that we all begin to practice water-smart conservation to maintain a sustainable water supply well into our future. The Special Districts Department, Water and Sanitation Division is a member agency of the Alliance for Water Awareness and Conservation, an association of agencies dedicated to “promote the efficient use of water and increase the communities’ awareness for conservation as an important tool to help ensure an adequate water supply.” For more information about water-smart conservation practices click here or go to www.hdawac.org.