More and more cities are urging water conservation measures for the sake of all water users. But there's another incentive to plug up the drip: It'll keep money from going down your drain.

Water conservation experts from local cities have been veritable rivers of knowledge on the topic. Their collective wisdom is pooled here.

Plug it up

Look for a water leak by reading your water meter. If the clock-like hand on your meter moves after faucets have been shut off, you have a leak.

Also mark the position of the hand, and wait half an hour without using water. Check the dial again, because some leaks are so slow the dial won't move right away.

Don't forget to manually check faucets and pipes for leaks.

In the bathroom

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Don't continue running the water as you brush your teeth. This can save up to 4 gallons a day.

Fill the bottom of the sink with a few inches of water to rinse your razor, instead of running the faucet. This can save 3 gallons a day.

Throw trash in the wastebasket instead of flushing it down the toilet.

Install a low-flow shower head. A regular shower head can use up to 40 gallons every 10 minutes.

In the kitchen

Make sure your dishwasher is full before running it. The dishwasher can use up to 15 gallons per load.

Rinse vegetables in a water-filled sink or pan, instead of running the water.

Defrost food in the microwave or refrigerator, instead of in a sink full of water. (One benefit: It's safer that way.)

Garbage disposals use a lot of water. Start a compost pile or throw away food waste in the trash.

If you like cold water, don't wait for the water in your faucet to get cold. Keep drinking water in the fridge.

Outside

Sweep your driveway. Don't hose it off.

Water plants first thing in the morning, before any wind kicks up.

If you haven't adjusted your garden's automatic water controller for a while, ensure your watering cycles make sense. If your landscape is mature, it may not need as much water.

If you see water running down the street, it's time to fix your sprinklers.

Appliances

If you're shopping for a new clothes washer to replace your old water-guzzler, check with your city for rebates on water and energy-saving appliances. For example, the city of Lompoc offers rebates for the purchase of 1.6-gallon-per-flush toilets, Energy Star dishwashers and Energy Star clothes washers. See “Additional Resources” for more details.

May your cup be overflowing and your water bill “low and dry.”

SOURCES: Myra Ritchie, water conservation specialist for the city of Santa Maria; Mary Kammer, utility conservation coordinator for the city of Lompoc, and Joan S. Bolton, gardening columnist for the Santa Maria Times.

Bettina Adragna can be reached at 739-2220 or at badragna@santamariatimes.com.

August 17, 2008