Winter Water Conservation Tips
When the weather turns rainy and cold that doesn't mean you don't need to continue to conserve water! Below are some tips on how you can conserve during the winter months - and anytime during the year! 

• Water with the weather – As the days grow colder and shorter and the winter rains arrive, your landscape will require very little or no water. Most plants are dormant, even if they’re still green. Our seasonal rains provide all the water they need. Remember, over watering causes more problems than under watering. Only water during extended dry spells.
• Get to know your pipes – Water pipes located in crawl spaces, outside walls, outside faucets, unheated rooms, basements, garages and attics are the most vulnerable to freezing. Get to know the location of these pipes so you can take the necessary precautions to prevent freezing.
• Winterize your pipes – Our temperatures don’t often fall below freezing, but when they do, exposed pipes on the exterior of your home can be vulnerable. Protect exposed pipe by wrapping them with insulation.
• Insulate your exposed hot water pipes – This will reduce the amount of water needed to run before you have hot water, especially at the fixtures furthest from your hot water heater.
• Know the location of your main shut off valve -- If a pipe does freeze and burst you will be able to shut off the water immediately. If you can’t shut off the water, call (916) 355-7200 for assistance during normal business hours. For assistance after hours, holidays, or weekends, call the Police non-emergency number (916) 355-7230.
• When you’re away, have a plan to keep your thermostat at 55 degrees or higher – If you plan on not being home for an extended period of time, have a plan so you don’t return to a broken pipe! Have a neighbor check on your house or install a battery-operated freeze alarm. The alarms are available for less than $100 and dial a user-selected phone number if the inside temperature drops below 45 degrees.

 Summer Water Conservation Tips
Many water conservation tips can be implemented all year.  Following are several tips to keep in mind during warm months.

• Cycle and Soak – Water your lawn in short intervals rather than one long interval.  This allows the soil time to absorb the water, eliminating overwatering and runoff.
• Water landscaping no more than two or three times a week during the summer
• Water when it’s cool – Water between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. – for maximum absorption.
• Adjust you sprinklers – Don’t water the sidewalk or driveway.  Keep the water on your landscape.
• Re-circulate! – Make pools, spas and ornamental fountains re-circulating and leak-proof.
• Use a broom – Sweep sidewalks and driveways clean, rather than using a hose.
• Use automatic shut-off nozzles – Don’t let your hoses run between uses.
• Cover swimming pools – Covers cut the loss of water by evaporation 90 percent.
• Don’t let the water run – Shut off the water when you wash your hands, brush your teeth or shave.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Full loads only – Only run the dishwasher and clothes washer when you have a full load.
• Be efficient – Consider remodeling with more energy efficient washing machines and low-flow toilets (rebates available!)
• Install low-flow showerheads  

D on't keep all this good information to yourself.... tell everyone "iConserve".