Water Conservation Is Our #1 Priority in California

You’re undoubtedly aware that part of the western US is in the grip of a devastating drought. This is really a bad news situation, folks. If your parents were living in Davis (or anywhere in California) in the mid-’70s, go ahead and ask them what it was like. They’re turn pale and talk about tarantulas moving into the suburbs in search of water; recite the charming ditty, “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down;” they’ll tell you about putting bricks in their toilet tank; and using the bath water to flush the toilet manually (no really, you can).

ApartmentTherapy.com has some slightly less drastic water saving tips. Please read them and incorporate them into your daily routine of apartment living. If we all do our part, we’ll still be able to take (short) showers this summer.

The governor has declared a state of emergency and communities reportedly only have a couple months of water in reserves.

Here are six totally doable ones. For more drastic measures, especially for homeowners, visit the site for the complete 100 tips.

1. Turn off the faucets…while brushing your teeth, washing dishes, and washing your hands, and plug the sink when shaving. Reward kids for doing the same (like with extra time on the computer or more story time, depending on age).

2. Save 150 gallons a month by reducing your shower by a minute or two. Take 5-minute showers too instead of baths, which require 70 gallons of water to fill.

3. Reduce laundry…by reusing towels and clothing and only washing when you have a full load (same goes for the dishwasher).

4. Refill your water glass for the day (to lighten your dish load) and cook food in as little water as possible.

5. Collect water from washing fruits and veggies and use it to water houseplants. Also, pour old pet water or dropped ice cubes into plants. (Better, skip the cubes.)

6. Only flush for #2.