Water Saving Tips & Information

Your Challenge: Try to Save 20 Gallons of Water Per Day

Inside The Home

Cut your shower time by two minutes and install a low flow showerhead. A low flow showerhead uses 2½-3 gallons per minute.
Saves 15 gallons per shower
Turn off your faucet while brushing your teeth. A bathroom faucet uses 6 gallons per minute. Wet your brush, turn off the water, brush, then turn on to rinse.
Saves 6 gallons
Turn off your faucet while shaving. Partially fill your sink with water to clean the blade.
Saves 6-12 gallons
Fix faucet leaks. A steady dripping leak wastes 15-20 gallons of water per day. Glendale's "No Water Waste" Ordinance requires that leaks be repaired within 72 hours of discovery.
Saves 20 gallons
Fill the bath tub half full. A full bath tub uses 36 gallons of water.
Saves 18 gallons
Wash only full loads; reduce by one load per week. A clothes washer uses 30 gallons per load.
Saves 30 gallons
Wash only full loads and reduce by one load per week. A dishwasher uses 15 gallons per load.
Saves 15 gallons
Capture your tap water. While you wait for the water to get hot, catch the flow in a bucket or watering can. Use this water on your house plants or in your garden.
Saves 200-300 gallons

Outdoors & Landscaping

Don't leave the hose running while washing your car. Use a nozzle with an automatic shut off and a sponge and pail of soapy water.
Saves 10 gallons per minute
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and walkways. This is required by Glendale's "No Water Waste" Ordinance.
Save 150 gallons each washing
Water before 9:00 am and after 6:00 pm This is required by Glendale's "No Water Waste" Ordinance.
Try reducing each watering time by one minute. If your lawn and plants begin to show stress, resume the original time. If everything looks ok, keep using the new time, and good for you, you are conserving water.
Use a pool cover for your swimming pool to reduce evaporation.
Saves 30 gallons per day
Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. This holds moisture in so you do not have to water as often.
Saves 750 gallons per month
Set your lawn mower blades one notch higher. Longer grass will reduce evaporation and require less water for maintenance. This holds moisture in so you do not have to water as often.
Saves 500 gallons per month
Step on your grass and see if it springs back when you lift your foot. If the grass springs back, no need to water today. If it lays down, time to water.
Save 750-1500 gallons per month
Check your irrigation system regularly. Repair leaks and replace damaged sprinkler heads.
Save 500 gallons per month

Using low-water-use and native plants in your garden is one of the best ways to reduce water use in your landscape. Check out www.bewaterwise.com for more tips and tricks for conserving water.

California's drought may be over, however water shortage still looms

Governor Jerry Brown officially declared the "end to California's drought" on Wednesday, March 29, 2011. In spite of the abundant rain and snow this last winter however, the water shortage which forced Southern California into mandatory conservation is still not over.

What's the difference between a drought and a water shortage? The term "drought" refers to lack of water supplies like rain and snow; a "water shortage" may happen because of inability to move water through the state's water systems like the State Aqueduct or the Colorado River Aqueduct.

The Metropolitan Water District lost 1/3 of its supply since 2009 due to court rulings limiting the pumping of water to protect and endangered species of fish, in addition to three years of below-average rainfall. As a result all cities and agencies in Southern California were asked to reduce the amount of water they buy from MWD, and to comply, Glendale declared Mandatory Water Conservation in July 2009.

Since the Governor's announcement Glendale Water & Power is waiting for the Metropolitan Water District to assess available supplies and decide if mandatory water restrictions are still necessary. At this time we are still asking our residents to continue conserving.

Efficient water use will always be important for Southern California since our supplies are unpredictable from one year to the next, and are stretched thin by regulations to protect the environment and increasing population.

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.
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.
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.