Water Conservation: It's for Life

Winter is just around the corner. There are lots of ways to ensure you, your family, or your business are using water efficiently and preventing water waste. From simple leak repairs in and around your house, to climate-smart plant choices for your landscape;  you'll fine a host of water-saving ideas in the list below, as well as at Save our Water. 

Need help with how to water your yard efficiently this summer? Sign up for our Free Controller Assistance Program service by calling 925-931-5531 or email osd@cityofpleasantonca.gov. 

ADOPT THESE HABITS FOR LIFE LONG WATER SAVINGS

• Limit outdoor watering to no more than 1 day per week when it's not raining, October 1 through March (Download our Recommended Year-Round Watering Schedule for more information.)
• Turn off the controller when rain is expected and keep it off for 48 hours after measurable rainfall
• Potable water shall not be used for hose or power washing of driveways, sidewalks, and other hardscapes       
• Eliminate water runoff from irrigation by shortening watering time and adding multiple watering cycles
• Only water landscaping after 6 p.m. and before 9 a.m. to reduce water loss from wind and evaporation
• Wash cars, trucks, etc., only with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle - and remember - no water may enter the storm drain system (this includes the gutter)
• CHECK FOR & FIX ALL leaks in and around your home and/or business regularly; these include leaky toilets, faucets, showers, sprinklers, and valves     
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving, or dishwashing by hand
• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes
• Install water-efficient devices, such as faucet aerators and showerheads
• Take shorter showers. Reducing your showering time by 5 minutes can save up to 12.5 gallons of water!
• Keep your pool covered when it's not in use - this will significantly reduce water loss from evaporation

Helpful Water Conservation Resources

Current required Water Conservation Measures

City of Pleasanton's Water Shortage Ordinance PMC 9.30

California Save Our Water Website

Want more help reducing your water use? Check out our Water Conservation Rebates and Services, and call the City of Pleasanton Water Conservation Program: 925-931-5531.

Rescape California is a holistic approach to gardening and landscaping that works in harmony with the natural conditions of the San Francisco Bay Watershed. Bay-Friendly practices foster soil health, conserve water and other valuable resources while reducing waste and preventing pollution.

Visit Lose Your Lawn for one-stop information about local resources for losing your lawn. The webiste has step-by-step videos demonstrating how to use the technique of sheet mulching to cover up your existing lawn with cardboard and mulch, and how to convert an existing sprinkler system to drip irrigation.

The Alameda County Master Gardeners are a group of trained volunteers that help residents of Alameda County learn about gardening. They offer a wealth of information from outstanding plants for Alameda County, safe plant pest management, demonstration gardens, and more.

DROUGHT UPDATE

On April 7, 2017 Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-40-17, terminating the California drought emergency in most parts of California. Subsequently, upon confirmation of anticipated adequate water supply conditions for 2017, the Pleasanton City Council affirmed the reclassification of Pleasanton's water supply level to Adequate Supply under the City's Water Management Plan. Mandatory conservation measures remain in effect to prevent water waste, as specified within the State's Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life Plan.