Hi eNews-ers:

Although many of us are enjoying the un-seasonally dry weather, warm temperatures, and sunny skies, this lovely winter has a downside - a lack of water. The State has asked all California residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 20 percent.

As a City, we want to make this voluntary effort easier for our residents by sharing some helpful tips on how to be "drought conscience" and reminding you of the rebates and FREE water efficient tools we make available to our residents. If you are interested in any of Redwood City's rebates and offers, call the Conservation team at 650.780.7436 or email [email protected].

Below, is a little "tutorial" on how to conserve water, complements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (Thank you EPA!)

Top 12 water conservation tips you may not know or considered...

1.  Look up if your household has "WaterSense" products by visiting the EPA website. Redwood City offers rebates for WaterSense toilets.
2. Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth. The City offers low flow faucet aerators for FREE!
3. Take a shower over a bath...just stay aware of how long you are showering! We offer residents FREE low flow showerheads!
4. In the kitchen...plug up the sink or use a wash basin if washing dishes by hand.
5. Use a dishwasher, and fill it up before you do!
6. Scrape your plate instead of rinsing before loading it into the dishwasher.
7. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator so you're not waiting for water to cool as it comes out of the faucet.
8. Avoid the garbage disposal...it's not good for your pipes or water conservation. Throw food scraps in the compost bin.
9. Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate load size selection on your machine. The City and PG&E offer rebates for High Efficiency Washing Machines!
10. Check plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
11. Give your garden hose a break. Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing off.
12. Wash the car with water from a bucket, or use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

Did You Know? (www.epa.gov)

Of the estimated 29 billion gallons of water used daily by households in the United States, nearly 7 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is devoted to outdoor water use. In the hot summer months, or in dry climates, a household's outdoor water use can be as high as 70 percent!

1. Find a certified irrigation professional to install, maintain, or audit your irrigation system to ensure it is watering at peak efficiency. Redwood City offers residential customers 25 FREE efficient sprinkler nozzles.
2. Take a look at the Landscape Photo Gallery  for inspirational examples of beautiful, water-smart landscapes from across the country.
3. If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.