Public Works
Utilities Division: Water Conservation
The State of California is in its third consecutive dry year and the Governor has requested that residential water usage is reduced by 20%. Although the Utilities Department does not have immediate plans for mandatory water rationing, water conservation is vital. All Yuba City residents are encouraged to use water wisely and make reductions in water usage where you can.
Water conservation also provides the additional benefit of saving energy. Moving water around the state takes about 20% of the total energy supply and even more energy is used to treat water and pump it to your home or business. Once in your home, water takes energy to heat for dishwashers, washing machines, and showers. It takes even more energy to pump wastewater away from your home to the wastewater treatment facility.
Although conservation is just one component of a more comprehensive solution that is necessary to overcome the state’s water challenges, it is something we can all do today and it is easier than you might expect. Just little changes in our daily habits can make a big difference. See the table below for recommendations on more efficient ways to do everyday things…
| ACTIVITY |
INEFFICIENT USE |
EFFICIENT USE |
| Shower |
Older style shower heads use 5-7 gallons per minute. Average 8 minute shower = 48 – 56 gallons. |
Low flow showerhead using 2 gallons per minute with a 5 minute shower = 10 gallons. |
| Brushing Teeth |
Older style faucet, tap running 1 minute = 5 gallons |
Low flow faucet aerator, Wet brush and rinse = 1/8 gallon |
| Bath Tub |
Full Tub = 35 gallons |
Minimal water level w/ less than half the tub filled = 10 gallons |
| Shaving |
Older style faucet, tap running 3 minutes = 15 gallons |
Low flow faucet aerator, plug water in sink basin = 1 gallon |
| Washing Dishes |
Older style faucet, tap running 5 minutes = 25 gallons |
Tap off while washing, sink ½ full with a rinse bowl = 5 gallons |
| Lawn Sprinklers |
Watering an extra 30 minutes per week = up to 300 gallons |
Water early mornings, only when needed, with minimal runoff |
| Car Washing |
Hose running, 10 minutes = 100 gallons |
Bucket, hose rinse w/ shut off nozzle = 10 gallons |
| Washing Hands |
Older style faucet, tap running 1 minute = 5 gallons |
Tap off while washing = ¼ gallon |
| Toilet Flushing |
Older style tank (pre -1990) = 3-7 gallons |
Low flush toilet = 1.6 gallons |
| Washing Machine |
Older style = 40 gallons per load |
Efficient model = 25 gallons |
| Automatic Dishwasher |
Full cycle = 25 gallons |
Short Cycle = 12 gallons |
| Drinking Water |
Run older style faucet 1 minute until water cools = 5 gallons |
Keep water in a container in the refrigerator = 1/8 gallon |
Please follow the links provided below to find additional tips on how you can do your part and remember that every drop counts!
 Indoor Water Conservation
Outdoor Water Conservation
What is your water footprint?
Save Our Water
100 Ways to Conserve Water
To get more information on California’s drought conditions, please visit www.water.ca.gov/drought.
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