GWP Water Conservation Guide

Arm Yourself With Knowledge

• Begin by reviewing our water saving tips
• Purchase Energy Star appliances to not only save water, but lower your bill. GWP will help you pay for your appliances
• Take a free class on landscaping to learn about planting California friendly plants and trees.
• Use our water usage calculator for helpful hints on how you help the environment and lower your water bill by adjusting your usage habits.
• Continue reading our guide for frequently asked questions and a quick-start guide to get you on the path towards water conservation

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where am I using the most water?

  The vast majority of your water usage is outdoors for landscaping. For maximum results, we highly recommend you look at ways to cut your usage of water outdoors. Indoor use is more dispersed, see chart below.

  
• What do I do if my water usage shown on my GWP bill is higher than before? Do I have a water leak?

  It is not unusual for water consumption to vary from one bill to the next. Water usage could increase for various reasons including landscape irrigation during hot or dry weather, filling a swimming pool, increased laundry (a new baby or guest), or the addition of a new water-using appliance. The following are steps you can take to check for a leak:

  1. Make a visual inspection of the house and grounds.
  2. Listen for running water
  3. Ensure that your are not using water in the house or for landscaping, but do not shut off the water supply valve to the house, and observe your water meter over a one hour period to see if it indicates water usage. If you determine that you have a water leak, consider contacting a qualified repair person such as a licensed plumber.
• What should I do if my faucet is leaking?

  A leaking faucet can waste water, raise your water bill, and cause damage to your fixtures. It should be repaired as soon as possible. Many household repair books can guide you through basic faucet washer or faucet replacements. If you are unfamiliar with basic household plumbing repairs, contact a qualified plumber.

• I think my toilet is leaking. How can I check to see if I have a leak and how can I stop the leak?

  A leaking toilet can waste more than 20 gallons of water per day. To check for leaks, put a little food coloring in the tank (back, covered part). Don't flush the toilet yet! If, after a few minutes, you can see the color in the bowl without flushing, your toilet needs repairing. You will probably have to replace some of the parts in the tank of your toilet. If you are not "handy around the house," call a plumber. You will find that your water bill is much higher if you do not repair the leak.

• How can I save money on my water bill?

  GWP offers several valuable tips on reducing water usage and saving money in the Water Saving Guide. You may also be interested in our Smart Home Survey Program.

• What should I know about my water system in case of an emergency?

  Make sure you know how to turn off the valve that controls the water coming into your home. It is found where the water enters the house from the GWP system. The main water shut-off is found with the water meter in a concrete box near the curb or sidewalk. Unless you are familiar with plumbing repairs, it is best to let a qualified plumber or a GWP water repairman turn off the valve at the meter. Many times these controls are jammed and you will be charged for any damage you may cause to this equipment.

• What are some safety tips regarding water in my home?

  Common sense is your best friend to avoid water-related emergencies and accidents. Keep electric appliances far away from water sources. Protect young children and pets from water by making sure pools and spas are securely covered and fenced. Never leave any child alone at poolside. Small children can drown in two inches of water. Use protective latches on toilets and never leave children unattended in the bathtub.

10 Quick Tips to Get You Started

1. Take shorter showers. Two or three minutes less saves 9-12 gallons of water.
2. Turn off water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
3. Check sprinklers regularly and adjust them so they don’t water the sidewalks and walkways.
4. Use a broom or blower instead of a garden hose to clean sidewalks and driveways.
5. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse to wash the car. Make sure the hose has a shut-off nozzle.
6. Plant native or water saving plants and trees. Use mulch around plants to hold water. Water your lawns early morning or late evenings.
7. Fix leaky faucets and pipes as soon as possible.
8. Wash only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.
9. Keep water in the refrigerator instead of lettings the faucet run to cool the water.
10. Use a wastebasket for trash, not the toilet.

What Can Business Owners do to Help?

1. Restaurants – Serve water only to customers that ask for it.
2. Hotels – Ask customers to reuse towels to help conserve water.
3. Businesses with kitchens - make sure you are using an efficient pre-rinse kitchen sprayer, you can get a rebate through the Save Water Save A Buck program click here for more information.
4. Check out GWP's Save Water, Save a Buck program for details on rebates and incentives on Energy Star appliances.