Use water wisely by learning ways to stretch our water supplies.

Water is a limited resource that is essential for
 everyday life. If we want water for the future, we
 must use water wisely TODAY! Urban water
conservation is one important way to stretch
existing water supplies.

Following are some simple, but effective ways
to conserve water at home and to prevent
pollution from being swept, blown or washing
into our storm drain system. For even more
conservation information, visit:

• www.bewaterwise.com - see rebates for water-conserving products
• www.H2ouse.org  - take a home water-saver tour; find out how much water you use with the water budget calculator.
• www.888cleanla.org - L.A. County's site for recycling information

Ways to Conserve Water Inside the House:

• Check for toilet leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the coloring begins to appear in the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a wasteful leak that should be repaired at once. Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons per month.
• Put a plastic container or displacement bag in your toilet tank. Put an inch or two of sand or pebbles in the bottom of a quart or larger container and fill the rest of the container with water. Put the cap on and place the bottle in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanism. The container will save on each flush without impairing the efficiency of the toilet.
• Consider buying an ultra low-flush toilet which uses only 1.6 instead of 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush.
• Install a water-saving shower head. If you're a residential customer, get one for free at the Utilities Customer Service Center. Or check your hardware or plumbing supply store for an inexpensive shower head that's easy to install and still gives you a cleansing and refreshing shower. You can save 20 or more gallons for a five minute shower.
• Take shorter showers and you'll save up to 5-10 gallons for every minute you cut back.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save up to 3 gallons each time you brush.
• Turn off the water while you're shaving and save up to 3 gallons. Just fill the sink with a little water and rinse your razor.
• Check faucets/pipes for leaks. Even a small drip may waste more than 1,500 gallons per month.
• Use your dishwasher for full loads only. Every load uses about 15 gallons.
• Use your automatic washing machine for full loads only. It uses up to 60 gallons per load.
• Don't let the faucet run while cleaning vegetables--rinse them in a sink of clean water.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator, so you won't have to run the tap to cool it.
• If you wash dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing.

Ways to Conserve Water Outside the House:

• Water your lawn deeply and less frequently; don't overwater it. 
• Adjust sprinklers to water the lawn, not the pavement.
• Water outdoors early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Change outdoors watering schedule seasonally.
• Repair leaks immediately.
• Use a broom instead of a hose on paved areas.
• Do not allow the hose to run as you wash you car. Use a self-cleaning hose nozzle, or turn off the water between rinses. As an Alhambra resident you can obtain a free nozzle at the Utilities Department Customer Service Center.
• Plant native California drought-tolerant plants and shrubs. Click here for useful information on xeriscape gardening.

Ways to Protect Water Quality:

Home Repair Projects:

• Use water-based paints whenever possible. Look for products labeled "latex" or "cleans with water."
• Do not clean brushes or rinse containers in the gutter. For water-based paint, rinse them in the sink. For oil-based paint, clean them with thinner, which can be filtered and reused. Take leftover paint to a household hazardous waste collection site to be recycled.
• Paint-stripping residue, chips and dust from marine paints and paints containing lead or tributyl tin are hazardous wastes. Sweep them up and take them in a sealed container to a household hazardous waste collection site.
• Rinse off cement mixers and cement laden tools in a contained washout area that cannot flow to your lot drain. Allow cement waste to dry, and then discard with your household trash.
• Schedule grading and excavation projects for dry weather. Order only the amount of material needed to complete the project. Keep all construction debris away from the street, gutter and storm drains.
• Prevent erosion and sediment runoff by covering excavated material and piles of asphalt, sand and similar materials with a plastic tarp.
• Never dispose of cement washout or concrete dust into driveways, streets, gutters or storm drains.

Vehicle Maintenance:

• Check your vehicle frequently for leaks. Use kitty litter or other absorbent materials to clean spills and dispose of waste properly.
• Take used motor oil and filters to a Certified Oil Recycling Center;
  Click here for locations.
• Dispose of antifreeze at a hazardous materials collection center or roundup;
  Click here for more information.
• Conserve water when washing your car and use biodegradable soap. Consider using a self-serve or automated car wash facility that recycles water.

Yard Maintenance:

• Minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and don't apply if it is windy or about to rain.
• Always pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash.

Pool Maintenance:

• All pool water discharged to the curb/gutter must meet the following criteria: the residual chlorine must not exceed 0.1 mg/L (parts per million), pH is between 6.5 and 8.5, water does not have unusual coloration, no filter media can be discharged, and no acid cleaning wastes can be discharged.