Page 25 - North State Parent August 2020

Essential Elements for a Water-Smart Family in a Dry 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 Cal- ifornia.
Now is the perfect time to adopt conscientious water con- servation 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 toi- let 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 sys- tems. 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 aera-
tors 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 certi- 26 Chart created by Marielle Pinheiro, Research Data Specialist II, ORPP Climate and Conservation Group, California State Water Resources Control Board
FIX LEAKS Saves 110 gallons each month.
INSTALL AERATORS Saves 1.2 gallons per person per day.
INSTALL A
FILL THE
SHOWER FOR ONLY FIVE MINUTES
Saves 12.5 gallons with a water efficient showerhead per shower with a water efficient showerhead per shower person per day.
TURN OFF THE
WASH FULL LOADS OF CLOTHES & DISHES
Washer: saves 15-45 gallons per load. Dishwasher: saves 5-15 gallons per load.
HOW TO SAVE WATER
AVERAGE DAILY WATER USE PER CALIFORNIAN 196 gallons
More at saveourwater.com
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HIGH-EFFICIENCY
BATHTUB
WATER WHEN
TOILET
HALFWAY
BRUSHING
Saves 19 gallons per person per day.
OR LESS
TEETH OR
Saves 12 gallons per bath.
SHAVING
Saves 10 gallons per person per day.