Los Angeles is no stranger to water conservation, with a rich history of adopting innovative methods to ensure sustainability. From enhanced stormwater capture to water reclamation, technical innovations in the ways we use our water are helping us preserve our most precious liquid resource. However, just because you aren’t making any breakthrough in conservation technology, doesn’t mean we aren’t counting on you to help LA be more water efficient. You can help contribute to LA’s communal water conservation efforts in your day to day! To help you help us help LA, here are some of the simple and effective ways to conserve and recycle water in the comfort of your own home, saving resources and even lowering utility costs.

Recycling Water from Showers: Many Los Angeles residents already recycle water from showers by using a bucket to collect the initial cold water as it heats up. This water can be used for plants or for flushing the toilet, conserving up to three gallons per flush. Additionally, making the conscious decision to take a shorter shower can help save water or using a low-flow showerhead are both excellent ways to conserve.

Turning Off the Tap While Soaping Up: When you’re washing your hands or dishes in the sink, don’t just keep the tap flowing. By turning off the flow while you take your recommended 15 seconds of lathering up your hands, you can conserve a bit of water. With how much people should be washing their hands – before handling food, after sneezing, when you’ve touched something gross, etc – this seemingly small amount can quickly add up to large savings. 

On a related note, it’s also best practice to turn off the tap while you’re soaping up in the shower. This small adjustment can save gallons of water per minute.

Limiting Bath Usage: Baths are luxurious, but they use significantly more water than showers, typically taking about 36 gallons to fill versus the 2.5 gallons per minute for an average shower – and you really shouldn’t be showering for the 15~ minutes it would take for a shower to be more wasteful. It’s advisable to limit baths, saving them for special occasions.

Efficient Clothes Washing: When doing laundry, ensure you are washing full loads to optimize water usage – no matter whether you’re washing two articles of clothing or 20, most washers use the same amount of water per load. Using cold water also conserves energy, while upgrading to higher-efficiency appliances if possible can further reduce water waste.

Rain Barrels: Another innovative way to conserve water is by installing a rain barrel – especially now that stormy winters are becoming the new normal here in LA. These barrels collect rainwater from your roof that would otherwise run off into the storm drain system. You can then use this water for your garden or lawn, significantly reducing the need for potable water for irrigation. Visit the Metropolitan Water Districts webpage to learn more about rain barrel rebates. 

Drip Irrigation vs. Sprinklers: When it comes to watering your yard, choosing the right method can make a big difference. Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the base of plants, minimizing evaporation and runoff. They use less water than traditional sprinklers and are particularly effective for landscapes with plants that have different watering needs. 

Traditional sprinkler systems actively waste water through evaporation and overspray. If drip irrigation just isn’t viable for you, then upgrading to a smart sprinkler system is the next best thing. These advanced sprinklers reduce water usage by adjusting watering based on weather conditions and the needs of your plants. 

Greywater Recycling: Greywater is water that has been used in sinks, showers, and laundry, but not toilets or kitchen sinks. This water can be recycled for non-potable uses like irrigation, thereby reducing the strain on municipal water resources. Greywater systems can be installed in homes to capture and filter this water for reuse, contributing to sustainable water usage. Click here to learn more about LADWP’s greywater systems and how to obtain your own.

With a few small adjustments, Los Angeles residents like you can easily conserve and recycle water in their daily routines. Every bit of water conserved is an incredible help and any efforts you can make to protect our most precious resource are greatly appreciated. Remember, it’s the little things that add up! Every drop counts in making Los Angeles a more sustainable place for us all.

Have a unique way that you save water in your own home? Send it to us at lastormwater@lacity.org for a chance to be featured on our blog or social media.