| Tip |
Estimated Savings |
| Water only before 6 a.m. and after 8 p.m. to reduce evaporation and interference from wind. |
20-25 gallons per day |
Don’t overwater!
1) Reduce each irrigation cycle by 1-3 minutes, or eliminate one irrigation cycle per week. Use the landscape calculator and watering index. Also check out www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation to learn how much to water.
2) Water only after the top inch of soil is dry.
3) Reset irrigation controllers and replace batteries in the spring and fall. |
15-25 gallons for each minute; up to 250 gallons per cycle |
| Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray and run-off. |
15-25 gallons per day |
| Repair leaks and broken sprinkler heads. |
20 gallons per day per leak |
| Add 2” to 3” of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation. |
20-30 gallons per day per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Install water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs, and flowers to get water to the plant’s roots more efficiently. |
20-25 gallons per day |
| Upgrade to a “smart irrigation controller” that automatically adjusts watering times for hotter weather, and shuts down the system when it rains. |
40 gallons per day |
Replace a portion of lawn with beautiful native and California Friendly plants. NOTE: These plants do best when planted after winter rains begin. For great examples check out
landscapecontest.com |
33 to 60 gallons per day per 1,000 sq. ft. depending on climate |
| Tip |
Estimated Savings |
| Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. |
8-18 gallons per minute |
| Adjust your pressure reducer (if you have one) to keep pressure between 40 and 60 p.s.i. |
Varies |
| Don't leave the hose running while washing your car. Get a self closing nozzle to make it easier. |
8-18 gallons per minute |
| Repair any leaks around pool and spa pumps. |
20 gallons per day per leak |
| Repair leaking hose bibs. |
15-20 gallons per day per leak |
| Install covers on pool and spas to reduce evaporation. |
30 gallons per day |
| Install pressure reducer if your pressure is greater than 80 p.s.i. |
Varies |
| * For more information visit the Smart Landscape Program. |
