Outdoor Conservation
As seen in this graph created by the Pacific Institute up to 50% of California residential water use is accounted for by outdoor demands. The best way to make the biggest impact, on water supply as well your water bill, is to cut back where the historical use is greatest.
You can landscape your property with native plants that are adapted to long dry summers and will require little additional care after becoming established. If you wish to garden or keep your lawn, there are water-smart ways to do so.
Keep reading for more!
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El Nativo Growers: Specializing in California native plants, adapted to the Mediterranean climate, place your order online and pick up at their Azusa location.
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Grow Native Nursery: Based at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont. Another nursery location is in West Los Angeles in the Veterans Garden
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Las Pilitas Nursery: Mail order California native plants for your specific region.
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Tarweed Native Plants: Glendale based nursery specializing in California native plants.
Smarter Outdoor Water Use Tips:
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Download the Be Water Wise California Friendly Plant Brochure
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Install drip irrigation, or more efficient sprinkler heads
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Water less than 3x/week
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Don't cut the grass short. Longer blades=better moisture retention for soil.
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Plant edible (& drought tolerant) landscaping and let the landscape work for you!
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Wash your pet over a thirsty patch of yard
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Find a car wash that uses recycled water
Around the Pool
-Pool covers can prevent half of the water in your pool from evaporating over the course of a year. (50-70 gallons per square foot each year!)
-Pool covers reduce algae growth, as well as the need to add more chemicals
-Pool covers conserve heat, helping you save on heating costs!
-Drain your pool only when necessary. Properly maintained, a pool should only need draining
every few years.
-That in mind, check for cracks and leaks. A leaky pool can lose up to 100,000 gallons/year!
Monitor your water bill but also:
Look for loose tiles or cracks in the shell of the pool
Look for soggy earth or uneven grass growth near pool
Look for persistent water quality issues (algal growth shortly after treating water)
Notice if your covered pool loses more than 1/8 inch in 24 hours.
