It has been over 10 years since California has faced a drought. As Governor Brown declares a state of emergency, urging officials to take precautions to prepare for the drought, civilians should also look to save water around the house and the home. Here are six easy ways to save water in preparation for the drought.

1. Showering instead of bathing, and spending less time taking a shower are easy ways to save water in a pinch. Bathers can reduce their shower time down to 10 minutes or fewer, saving several gallons of water a week. Additionally, installing low flow showerheads, which maintain high water pressure, will reduce water usage by 20 to 60 percent, saving 500 to 800 gallons per month, according to Energy.Gov.

2. Installing water reducing devices is a great way to prepare for the drought. Consider using the aforementioned low flow showerheads to control the amount of water on faucets and toilets. Dual flush toilets, like those found in Nichols Hall, are also an easy way to save water. Also, immediately fix any leaks in toilets or faucets. Fixing one leaky faucet saves over 3000 gallons of water a year as stated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is a quick and easy way to save both water and money.

The Department of Water and Power advises California residents to quickly check plumbing and faucets to reduce the risk of leaks. “Fix leaky faucets, plumbing joints and your sprinkler system. Saves 20 gallons a day for every leak stopped,” they said.

3. When washing dishes or clothes, run less loads, and use the dishwasher or washing machine only with a full load. This can save up to 400 gallons of water per month. Designating one glass of drinking water each day also reduces the amount of times needed to run the dishwasher. Replacing old washers with Energy Star washers will also help reduce water consumption, as Energy Star washers use up to 50 percent less water, according to the Energy Star website.

4. Watering yards uses several gallons of water, but it is easy to quickly become efficient with water usage. Use compost and mulch when planting, as they help retain moisture in the soil and help control weeds that will compete with the plants for water. Adjust the sprinklers so that the water only lands on the lawn, and also set up a rain barrel to help collect excess water.

UC Cooperative Extension advisor in Sacramento County, Chuck Ingels, said in a press release that the easiest way to save water is to conserve it outdoors, due to the cooler spring weather.

“Trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns naturally use less water in winter’s cool temperatures, and so an inch of rain provides enough moisture to forego the need for sprinklers for up to several weeks depending on temperatures,” he said.

5. Instead of running the tap every time drinking water is needed, store drinking water inside the refrigerator. Catch the cold water that comes out of a faucet or sink while waiting for hot water and use it to water plants or even pour back into the toilet reservoir after flushing.

6. The simplest way, by far, to save water is to simply turn off water when it is not necessary. By turning off the water tap while brushing or shaving, one can save over 100 gallons of water a week. Instead of using a dishwasher, wash dishes, or even produce, in a pan that is partially filled with water instead of letting the tap run.

Stats:

Source : California Department of Water Resources

– 4.73 inches of rain from July 2013 to March 04 2014 in San Jose

– 40% of rain that has been falling from previous years

– More than 90% of California has been impacted by the severe drought

– The last major drought occurred in 1977, incidentally also when Governor Brown held office

 The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Map courtesy of ND-MC-UNL. Map as of March 4. Statistics from the California Department of Water Resources.

This article was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on March 4, 2014