Summer is over and fall has arrived! Water Year 2014 ended on September 30th as one of California’s driest ever with no promise this water year will be any wetter. 

It is more important than ever to remind everyone that just because we are out of the dry season doesn’t mean the drought is anywhere near over. When (and if) rain comes conserving water may be the last thing that comes to mind. However, water conservation should be a daily, year-round habit for all of us.

To help guide us into the cooler, fall months in California, here are some tips and ideas on how to conserve water all season long:

• Change your sprinkler schedule. As the weather cools down, lawns and plants don’t need as much water… and when it’s raining, they don’t need to be watered at all.  Change your sprinkler timer now and then remember to turn if off when it is raining. Another option is to invest in a weather-based sprinkler and never worry about your sprinkler schedule.

• Get a jump on spring plantings. Gardeners will tell you that plants set in the fall season require less water and will look better come springtime!
• Help your trees survive the drought. Continue to water wisely and maintain your trees and landscape carefully throughout the fall season. Our trees provide a wide range of benefits at a low cost and with little effort.
• Invest in a rain barrel. Consider using a rain barrel to collect and store rain water runoff throughout the wet months.  Water collected can be used to water indoor or outdoor plants, when needed, instead of turning on your sprinklers.
• Redirect downspouts to capture water. Simply redirect downspouts outside your home to capture any rainwater and direct it to garden or plant areas.
• Check for leaks. Find and fix leaks now! One way to find out if you have a leak present is to read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you most likely have a leak.
• Install low-flow showerheads. Most water is wasted outdoors, but did you know showers are the largest indoor water waster? Reduce your indoor water use by as much as one-third by simply switching your old showerheads for low-flow showerheads.
• Hold a household meeting to remind others to stick to these easy water saving tips:

       -- Keep showers to 5 minutes (a shower timer is handy)

       -- Run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads only

       -- Fill the sink when hand washing dishes—don’t let the water run

       -- Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket

       -- Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water that can be used on container plants

For more water saving tips and ideas year-round, visit www.SaveOurWater.com.