Seasonal Water Saving Tips

You can help save water by following these general water-saving tips:

• Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth. You'll save 2 to 3 gallons per day
• Use a broom to clean sidewalks instead of a hose
• Listen to weather forecasts so you don't water the lawn when it's going to rain. Adjust your sprinklers seasonally
• Don't let the hose run when you wash the car. Hoses can waste 5 gallons a minute
• Check your faucets and toilets to see if they are leaking - get them repaired

Remember to change your irrigation timer seasonally:

• Spring is from March 15 through May 14
• Summer is May 15 through September 14
• Fall is September 15 through November 14
• Winter is from November 15 through March 14

Monthly adjustments are encouraged.

Spring Tune-Up

Spring is the time for a water conservation tune-up. As the weather and seasons change, here are some tips to help:

• Check your sprinkler heads and drip systems for clogging, leaks, and malfunctioning heads. Clean and repair them
• Watering (3) days a week should be sufficient for a typical landscape.
• Add or replace mulch (one of the quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to save water)
• Sprinkler systems should be run when it's not windy and when it's cool (midnight to early morning) to reduce evaporation
• Keep in mind that watering at the right time of day can save water, energy, and money.

Summer Time, Water & Energy: An Expensive Connection

A majority of your water use - and water waste - occurs outdoors, especially during the hot summer months. That's why being water efficient is especially important this time of year.

The District is urging customers to water outdoors only between midnight and 10 am and to avoid the peak demand times of 5 to 8 am. Scheduling your sprinkling times during these periods helps two ways: you increase your water efficiency by reducing water loss through evaporation and you help save energy by putting less strain on the power grid during peak demand times.

The Water-Energy Connection

Each year, the district spends more than $1 million on electricity for operating the water treatment plant and other district facilities and distributing water to customers. By practicing water efficiency, customers can help reduce the amount of electricity required for distribution.

Please remember that the district's costs for electricity are directly related to water usage within the district. The higher the water usage - the higher the electricity usage and resulting energy costs. Using water efficiently saves both water and energy.

Fall / Winter Water Tips

• Wrap all pipes! You may purchase special wrapping material or simply use an old sweatshirt or newspaper. Secure them with plastic tape.
• Know where your main shut-off is located! Disconnect all hoses, and then wrap all faucets to prevent them from freezing.
• Inspect your water meter! The meter will be safe from freezing if the dead air space is maintained around it.
• Traveling during the winter? Ask a friend to check your premise while you are away. Let them know that it's OK to call Carmichael Water District for assistance if the need arises.
• If your pipes do freeze, wrapping them with rags and repeatedly pouring warm water over the rags may thaw them. Once the pipes thaw, rewrap them with dry materials.