Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/396235
Know & Tell Tips to share Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while scrap- ing them clean. Most water agencies offer free water use inspections. An expert will come to your house, check for leaks, and offer tips on how to save water and lower your water bill. Replacing a pre-1990 toilet, which can use 5 gallons per flush, with a newer high-efficiency model can save 38 gallons a day per toilet. Most water districts offer rebates of between $50 and $250 per toilet. W H AT A R E Y O U D O I N G at home and at school about the drought? We'll list member suggestions in next month's magazine. Meanwhile, here are websites that offer information and advice. www.saveourh2o.org cagardenweb.ucanr.edu/drought_ (include the underscore) blog.sfgate.com (search for "drought tips Dowd") Source: San Jose Mercury News Remember not flushing the toilet? Putting a bucket in the shower? It's time to dust off those tips, as California faces an extended dry spell. Compiled by Cynthia Menzel KNOW MORE 2 0 1 3 W A S T H E D R I E S T year ever for many areas of California, and current conditions suggest 2014 may rival that record. Water con- servation has always been important in the Golden State, but this year, as Gov. Jerry Brown called a drought emergency and asked residents to cut their water use by 20 percent, no Californian can afford to waste water. We all can do our part. What are you doing about the drought? Experts say fixing leaks in household faucets and toilets, and reducing lawn irrigation can get most families to the 20 percent goal. The average home in California uses 192 gallons of water a day, according to a 2008 study by the state Department of Water Resources and the California Urban Water Conservation Council. Here are tips experts recommend: Taking a five-minute shower instead of a 10-minute shower saves 12.5 gallons with a low-flow shower head, and 25 gallons with a standard 5-gallon-per-minute shower head. Turning the faucet off while brushing teeth or shaving saves about 10 gallons a day. Using a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and patios instead of a hose saves 8 to 18 gallons a minute. Fixing the worn washers in a faucet with a slow steady drip saves 350 gallons per month, and 2,000 gallons a month if the leak is a small stream. Putting a new flapper in a leaking toilet can save 7,000 gallons a month. To test for leaks, put food col- oring in the tank. Don't flush. Ten minutes later, if you see color in the bowl, you have a leak. Installing a water-efficient clothes washer saves up to 16 gal- lons a load. A water-efficient dishwasher saves up to 8 gallons a load. Rebates are available for water-saving appliances at most water agencies. email editor@cta.org 15 V O L U M E 1 9 I S S U E 3