Essential Elements for a Water-Smart Family in a Dry Year

Splashing in the pool or dipping your toes into a flowing creek is excellent for a hot North State summer cool down. As temperatures rise, water usage spikes with sprinklers keeping thirsty lawns and landscapes green and farmers relying on agricultural irrigation equipment to sustain crops. We count on the wet stuff for household use and to hydrate our bodies. It’s a fact that water is an essential element for all forms of life, and water makes up 60% of the adult body.

Historically, rainfall and snowpack in California go up and down, with wet years like 2018-2019 delivering an abundance of water to our lakes and water systems. But Charlotte Ely of California Water Boards has reviewed current rainfall levels and reports this year is dry. In California, the water year runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year.

Charlotte’s review of rainfall in Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Siskiyou, and Tehama Counties indicates we’ve hit a dry year. She points to several other factors that tie into the current dry trend, starting with the 2019-2020 rainfall that didn’t begin until December. In 2019-2020, there were only a few isolated storms with long, dry periods in between. Also, she points to a shift in the overall rain pattern with Southern California receiving many of the winter storms that usually would have watered the northern part of California.

Now is the perfect time to adopt conscientious water conservation practices and become a water-smart family. Use these water-saving tips to start saving gallons and support an adequate water supply for your family and your community.

Check for Leaks

Did you know toilet leaks can be silent? You can test your toilet for leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Also check faucets, showerheads, and sprinkler systems. Repair any leaks and start saving gallons.

Upgrade Fixtures and Save

Consider upgrading your water fixtures, replacing them with high-performing fixtures such as a high-efficiency toilet. Install aerators on your faucets. Do a quick test on your showerhead; if it fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, you may want to replace it with a WaterSense labeled model that is independently certified to use at least 20% less water than a standard showerhead.

Be Picky About Plants

Re-imagine your yard with native and drought-resistant trees and plants. Group plants depending on watering needs and types of sprinkler, sun/shade exposure, soil, and plant types. Adjust your watering schedule based on each group’s specific needs to avoid overwatering or underwatering areas.

Take a Sprinkler Break

Grass doesn’t have to be bright green year-round. It’s natural for your landscape to go dormant and look a little brown in the summer’s hottest months. There are several ways to save water outdoors.

• Step on the lawn, and if the grass springs back, it doesn’t need water.
• Raise your lawnmower blade. Taller grass promotes deeper root growth, resulting in a more drought-resistant lawn, reduced evaporation, and fewer weeds.
• Fix sprinkler heads that are broken or spraying on the sidewalk, street, or driveway. You can also install drip irrigation or add a smart controller to your irrigation system.

Irrigate Crops Efficiently

Water-saving irrigation equipment and management practices can improve water consumption. The use of sprinkler irrigation systems and drip micro-irrigation systems are on the rise.

Go the Extra Mile

There are several small acts you can do every day to be more water-efficient.

• Water your house plants with the water you collect while rinsing fruit and vegetables.
• Shower for only five minutes.
• Cut back on dishwashing by designating one glass for your drinking water each day or refilling a water bottle.

Wet years and dry years are as much a part of Northern California as are the scorching summers at the north end of the Sacramento valley. Water is essential to life. Becoming a water-smart family is essential to your comfort, health, and enjoyment of the breathtaking outdoors we are lucky to have on our doorsteps. Start saving gallons now and keep the water flowing, even in a dry year.