Media Corner

For Immediate Release
May 19, 2009

Point, Click for Water Conservation Tips From Central Basin

COMMERCE, CA - Central Basin Municipal Water District makes it easy for local residents and business owners to conserve water year-round with its new water conservation website www.shutyourtap.org.

Visit shutyourtap.org for tips on maintaining a low-water garden and cutting back on water waste inside and outside the home or office. Check back regularly for important drought updates from the Metropolitan Water District and rebates on water-smart, energy-efficient appliances.

Some of the tips available online include:

• Check sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks. Keep sprinkler heads in good repair.
• Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist, which increases evaporation.
• Make sure your sprinkler is placed so it only waters the lawn, not the pavement.
• Use a broom on driveways, sidewalks and patios instead of washing them down with a hose - save as much as 150 gallons per use.
• When taking your car to a car wash, be sure it's one that recycles its wash water. If you wash your car at home, don't leave the hose running; use a nozzle with an automatic shut off and save 10 gallons per minute.
• When staying at a hotel, indicate to housekeeping that you prefer to keep your linens and towels for multiple nights and that you will call housekeeping when you do need laundry service.
• Take a look at how water is used at your workplace and consider suggesting some of these same ideas to management.

Also available at shutyourtap.org is a calendar of water conservation events, including the District's Gardening with Blue and Jardineria con Azul workshops.