California’s Water Year 2014 as defined by the Department of Water Resources
(Oct. 1–Sept. 30) was the third-driest on record in the past 119 years. The 2013 calendar year was the driest ever, and that followed two years of below-average precipitation.
It has been taxing on State reservoirs and groundwater supplies.
Even as a significant storm system settles over Northern California, along with some relief that came with periods of major precipitation in December, intermittently wet weather shouldn’t give you a false sense of security—water conservation remains a critical component in the effort to minimize our statewide drought.
The public education program Save Our Water, a partnership between the Department of Water Resources and the Association of California Water Agencies, offers 10 conservation tips:
- Take shorter showers.
- Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth.
- Water your lawn only when it needs it.
- Use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Adjust sprinklers so they don’t water driveways and sidewalks.
- Only wash full loads of laundry.
- Run the dishwasher only when full.
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets.
- Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose.
- Plant California-friendly trees and plants.
The Save Our Water website offers more ways to conserve both indoors and outdoors.
