Water Conservation Tips
Keeping LA County going takes millions of gallons of water every day. It's a precious resource, and we need to safeguard our limited supply.
As climate change brings more intense droughts and storms, LA County is investing in stormwater capture, recycled water, groundwater recharge and conservation—but we can't do it alone! Small shifts in your daily routine can help shape LA County's water future. Every effort adds up, and together we can make a big difference.
What’s My Water Use?
Curious how much water you really use each day? It's probably more than you think! Calculate your water footprint to get a personalized look at your household's water use — from the bathroom to the backyard and beyond!
Kickstart Your Conservation
Tips for Residents
Keep It Tight
Those leaky faucets, pipes and hoses aren’t just making you crazy, they’re draining our most valuable resource. One drop every second can waste five gallons in a single day, so get cranking!
Load It Up
Whether you’re washing clothes or dishes, run full loads to save anywhere from 5 to 45 gallons per load! Opt for appliances with energy and water-saving features to take your water savings to the next level.
Go Low Flow
Toilets use more water than anything else in your bathroom. A low-flow toilet can reduce water use by more than 50% per flush. (Your local water agency may even have an incentive program!)
Use Your Shower Power
We all appreciate your singing voice, but let’s try to keep it to a single and not an album, OK? Keep your shower time under five minutes or invest in a low-flow showerhead to reduce your water use.
Turn Off the Tap
Turn off water when you’re brushing your teeth or shaving, and you can save 8 gallons per person each time! Your water bill and our region will thank you.
Don't Drain It
Those old cups of water, the water that runs while you’re waiting for the tap to heat up and rainwater can all be saved and used for things like watering plants or flushing toilets.
Choose Water Wise Plants
Ditch thirsty lawns and choose beautiful California native plants and succulents. Not only are they naturally drought-tolerant, but they can also help reduce water use by 60%.
Let It Grow
If you grow grass, set your mower blades to 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil, improves moisture retention and leaves more blade surface to take in the light.
Get Smart About Irrigation
Leave irrigation to smart systems, which can monitor soil conditions and tailor watering schedules accordingly. It will save you time, money and of course, water— more than 24 gallons daily, to be exact.
Put a Lid On It
Uncovered pool water evaporates, which is not great for swimmers or the environment. Cover up your pool when it’s not in use.
Tips for Businesses
Track and Tweak
It’s hard to manage something you don’t measure. Meters, submeters and other water measurement tools can help you fix leaks, identify water-saving opportunities and track the progress of water efficiency tools.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Kitchens
A restaurant’s kitchen can account for nearly 50% of their water use. ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers, ice machines, ovens and steam cookers are at least 10 percent more water efficient and 15 percent more energy efficient than standard models.
Mulch Matters
Leverage “nature’s blanket” and apply mulch around shrubs and beds to reduce evaporation, support healthy growth and minimize maintenance. It can also save 20 to 30 gallons of water seasonally per 1,000 square feet.
Close the Loop
Don’t let any water go to waste! Invest in onsite, closed-loop systems that help capture, treat and reuse water from contained systems like cooling, heating or rinsing.
Rebate Programs
LA County and regional water providers offer a variety of rebate programs to make water-smart upgrades that help reduce water use, lower utility bills and invest in efficient technology that protect our shared resources. For information on rebate programs for your home or business, visit:
