Water Conservation

Be Water Wise

Clean, fresh water is a precious resource that is vital to our way of life. To ensure there is sufficient water for us and future generations, we must use this resource wisely.

For information on anything stated in the previous or any other water conservation-related efforts, please contact the Sonoma Marin Saving Water Partnership at water.smart1@scwa.ca.gov or call at 707-547-1909. 

Below are resources to help you save water including rebates and water conservation tips for indoor and outdoor water use that will continue to help our community save water. Click the button on the right to register for leak alerts.

Water Conservation Tips

Indoor Conservation Tips

  1. General Indoor Tips
  2. Kitchen
  3. Bathroom
  4. Laundry & Appliances
  • Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and can save significant gallons of water a week.
  • Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly after each use.
  • Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets.
  • Insulate hot water pipes so you don't have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.
  • When you clean your fish tank, use the water you've drained on your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer.
  • When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
  • While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.

Outdoor Conservation Tips

  1. General Outdoor Tips
  2. Irrigation
  3. Xeriscape
  4. Gardening
  • Make sure you know where your master water shut-off valve is located.
  • Teach your family how to shut off your automatic watering systems. Turn sprinklers off if the system is malfunctioning or when a storm is approaching. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.
  • Winterize outdoor spigots when temps dip to 20 degrees fahrenheit to prevent pipes from bursting or freezing.
  • If you own an evaporative cooling system, be sure and check it annually for higher efficiency. Also, direct the water drain to a flowerbed, tree, or your lawn.
  • Make sure your fountains and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps to recycle the water used.
  • Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps, especially if you have an automatic refilling device.
  • When backwashing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
  • Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save up to 80 gallons of water every time.
  • Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.
  • For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
  • Avoid installing ornamental water features and fountains that spray water into the air. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation.
  • Don't buy recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
  • When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
  • Bathe your pets outdoors in an area in need of water.
  • Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car.
  • Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
  • Report significant water losses from broken pipes, fire hydrants or errant sprinklers to the property owner.