Cooler Weather + Shorter Days = Less Water Needed

As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, plant water requirements drop. During the months of October and November make sure to adjust your irrigation controller to water landscapes no more than one day per week. 

Need help figuring out how long to water for? Check out our recommended drought irrigation schedule or sign up for a free Controller Assistance Program visit.

Drought Update

The City of Pleasanton remains under a Local Drought Emergency and Stage 2  Water Shortage, with a 15% water use reduction compared to the same time period in 2020. 

Review the Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures to start saving more water today!

Stage 2 Drought Rates are still in effect for all water use since May 1, 2022.

ADOPT THESE HABITS FOR LIFE-LONG WATER SAVINGS 

• 

• Limit outdoor watering to no more than 1day per week. Download our Recommended Year-Round Watering Schedule for more details.

• Take shorter showers. Reducing your showering time by 5 minutes can save up to 12.5 gallons of water!

• Learn how to detect common household leaks here: Indoor and Outdoor Leak Detection

• Install WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures and irrigation equipment to reduce water use. Receive up to 3 free low flow water devices (faucet aerators and showerheads) from the City of Pleasanton!

• Use a broom to sweep! Potable water shall not be used for power washing of driveways, sidewalks, or other hardscapes. 

• Eliminate water runoff from irrigation by shortening watering time and adding multiple watering cycles.

• Water landscaping between 9 PM and 6 AM to reduce water loss from wind and evaporation.

• Turn off irrigation controllers when rain is expected. Watering outdoors is prohibited during and within 48 hours of measurable rainfall. 

• Wash cars, trucks, etc., with a hose equipped with a shut off nozzle - and remember, no water may enter the storm drain system, this includes the gutter - consider washing vehicles at a car wash that recirculates a portion of the wash water.

• CHECK FOR & FIX ALL leaks in and around your home and/or business regularly; these include leaky toilets, faucets, showers, sprinklers, and valves - leaks can account for 14% of indoor water use! 

• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving, or dish washing by hand.

• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.

• Keep your pool covered when it's not in use - this will significantly reduce water loss from evaporation.

• Leave grass clippings on your lawn to serve as a mulch, this reduces evaporation and provides nutrients to your lawn.

• Register for the Customer Water Portal (https://pleasantonwater.smartcmobile.com). This allows you to monitor your monthly, daily and hourly water consumption, and you can select to receive auto-leak notifications for early detection (within 24 hours) of possible leaks. For more information, please click here. 

• Learn how to read your water meter and use it to detect water leaks:

•  How to Read Your Digital Meter

•  How to Read Your Manual Meter

Learn about water conservation from home. Online Water Conservation Resources:

• Currently, 70% of water used in the Tri-Valley is imported from outside our region. How in the world does it get to the Tri-Valley? Learn about our water's journey below:

• Hometown Water: The Lifeline of Pleasanton - The Go Green Initiative and local students present their new documentary, "Hometown Water: The Lifeline of Pleasanton." This video explores the endless importance of water's role in the town of Pleasanton.  Join us in following Pleasanton's water journey, from historical water use to future water necessities, to understanding why it's imperative that we conserve water use now and into the future. 

• Low Water Use Public Gardens Virtual Tour - This collection of gardens, conveys the diversity and beauty of Livermore-Amador Valley native plants and other low-water-use plants. Explore the low-water-use Valley gardens, and get inspired! 

• Clean Water Program- As we spend more time at home these days, why not try new, pollution-preventing ways to maintain your yard and garden? Protect Fred and Izzy, "Sweep, Don't Hose."
• View past Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency webinars here!

•  Project Water Education Today (WET) Home and Distance Learning Resources- Project WET wants to ensure that water education continues for people of all ages. Find free and discounted resources to learn more about water!
• Water - Use It Wisely Kid's Page- Take a look around and check out our resources for kids. It is easier to navigate than ever, so kids and adults can poke around, have fun and learn about water conservation in new ways.

• The EPA's WaterSense- WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed to encourage water efficiency.

• Save Our Water- Save Our Water’s goal is to make water conservation a life-long habit. Explore the website to discover how you can save water indoors and outdoors!

• Explore Alameda County Watersheds- This is a great tool for explorers, naturalists, educators and citizen scientists!

More Water Conservation Resources

City's adopted 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (Appendices), Water Shortage Contingency Plan, and Addendum to 2015 Urban Water Management Plan Demonstrating Reduced Delta Reliance 

Want more help reducing your water use? Check out our Water Conservation Rebates and Services, or call the City of Pleasanton Water Conservation Program: 925-931-5525.

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 information and local resources for removing your lawn. The website has step-by-step videos demonstrating how to use the innovative technique of sheet mulching, a simple method used to enrich the soil in planting areas, establish a new landscape or garden area, or remove a lawn without herbicides.

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.

New for Dedicated Irrigation Meter Customers, on June 10th the State of California passed an Emergency Water Conservation Regulation banning the use of potable (drinking) water for decorative or non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. Learn more here: Non-Functional Turf Water Ban.

For more information about the City of Pleasanton Water Conservation Program please contact:

waterconservation@cityofpleasantonca.gov or 925-931-5525