How much water are you using? Are you using more water than you thought? Take a look at your bill. The average daily water use in our District is approximately 822 gallons per household per day. You'd be surprised at how much water you are using and money you can save by following conservation tips. Today, water conservation has many meanings. It means storing, saving, reducing or recycling water.

For Carmichael Water District, it means:
•	encouraging residents to install and use high efficiency plumbing fixtures and educate them about water-saving habits
•	promoting installation and conversion to water-efficient landscapes
•	reducing peak demands to avoid the extra costs of investing in additional pumping and treatment plants
•	metering water (customers pay for what they use)

Irrigation Methods Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of watering for non-turf areas such as bedded plants, trees or shrubs. Drip systems minimize or eliminate evaporation, impede weed growth and may help prevent grass diseases caused by under or over watering. Soaker hoses are an inexpensive alternative to drip irrigation. Soil moisture should be monitored to determine when enough water has been applied. In-ground irrigation systems can be automatic, manual or a combination. The automatic system can provide an efficient method of irrigating lawns because controllers turn the system off after a predetermined amount of time so a measured amount of water is applied. Check timing devices regularly to make sure they are operating properly. Watch for broken or misdirected sprinklers. If using a hose and sprinkler, place the sprinkler in the area that is driest. Allow the sprinkler to run the proper length of time and adjust the hose and sprinkler until it waters just the grass or shrubs, not paved areas.

Check out these irrigation saving tips:
Drip Irrigation | Irrigation Timer | Pop-Up Irrigation | Raindrip Water Timer Water Watch

DRIP IRRIGATION - For Efficient Watering Systems •  Attaches to existing system •  Apply water slowly and directly to the root zone •  Efficiently waters trees, shrubs, ground covers and containers •  Minimizes water loss from evaporation and runoff    Save water - Eliminates runoff ^ back to top

IRRIGATION TIMER - Remember to change your irrigation timer seasonally! •  Spring = March 15 - May 14 •  Summer = May 15 - September 14 •  Fall = September 15 - November 14 •  Winter = November 15 - March 14    Monthly adjustments are encouraged. ^ back to top

POP-UP IRRIGATION - For Head-to-Head Coverage •  Best used for lawns and high-water-use areas •  Apply water uniformly and at a rate that the soil can absorb •  Heads should be placed so that the water from one sprinkler reaches adjacent heads    Water at the right time of day - Save water, money and energy ^ back to top

RAINDRIP WATER TIMER - For Automated Outdoor Watering Including drip    systems •  Attaches to any standard faucet/tap •  Simple to program •  Battery operated •  Wireless •  Measures water use in gallons •  Watering duration from 1 minute to 2 hours    Save water - Monitor time and water usage ^ back to top

WATER WATCH - Point of Use Water Meter For Outdoor Use •  Attaches to your hose, sprinkler or sprayer •  Measures water use in gallons •  Reset to zero after use    Save water - Save $$$ ^ back to top

Water Wiser Drip Calculator - measure and estimate water wasted due to leaks.
Link: www.awwa.org/advocacy/learn/conserve/dripcalc.cfm