Pomona, CA

The City of Pomona values conservation and appreciates your efforts to conserve our precious land resources. With uncertain rainfall and the persistent drought, water conservation should not be a temporary measure. As a community, we must change our water usage habits.

• Choose climate appropriate and drought-resistant trees and plants. Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Check sprinkler systems frequently and adjust sprinklers so only the lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid unnecessary overspray.
• Install a more-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Adjust irrigation controllers, seasonally.
• Water more frequently in shorter schedules to create healthier and stronger landscapes and reduce overspray and run-off.
• Put 2-4 inches of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weed growth.
• Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and patios. Do not use a hose to wash down.
• Wash cars/boats with a bucket, sponge, and a hose with a self-closing nozzle.

Indoor Tips:

• Use the washing machine for full loads only to save water and energy.
• Purchase a qualifying high efficiency clothes washer and receive a $150 rebate.
• Run the dishwasher only when full to save water and energy.
• Install a water and energy efficient dishwasher.
• Install aerators on the kitchen faucet to reduce flows to less than 1 gallon per minute.
• Install high efficiency shower heads.
• Take five minute showers instead of 10 minute showers.
• Fill the bathtub halfway or less.
• Install a high-efficiency toilet.
• Install aerators on bathroom faucets.
• Turn water off when brushing teeth or shaving.Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket.

Spruce up your Sprinkler System and Save

Winter takes a toll on your yard, and while your plants go dormant to survive the cold, your sprinkler system is also affected. Winter can cause cracks in pipes, leading to costly leaks, and broken sprinkler heads can waste water and money. In fact, during the six-month irrigation season, you could lose up to 25,000 gallons of water, costing you over $90, which is equivalent to about 300 daffodil bulbs!The ideal time to address these issues is now, before you increase your watering efforts in the upcoming spring and summer months. To get started, follow these four simple steps: inspect, connect, direct, and select:

1. Inspect: Take a look at your system for any clogged, broken, or missing sprinkler heads. If you're not comfortable fixing it yourself, consider hiring a certified irrigation professional from a WaterSense labeled program.
2. Connect: Examine the points where your sprinkler heads connect to pipes or hoses. If you notice water pooling in your landscape or significant wet areas, there might be a leak in your system. Even a tiny leak, like the size of a ballpoint pen tip (1/32nd of an inch), can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month.
3. Direct: Ensure that your sprinklers are watering your lawn or prized plants and not wastefully spraying the driveway, house, or sidewalk. Adjust and redirect your sprinklers as needed.
4. Select: A poorly scheduled irrigation controller can lead to substantial water and money wastage. Update your system's schedule based on the seasons, or opt for a WaterSense labeled controller, which takes the guesswork out of scheduling.

Don't overlook adding "sprinkler spruce-up" to your spring cleaning checklist this year. For more tips on maintaining a water-smart yard, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense website.