It’s needless to say that water is one thing we simply cannot live without. So there’s no wonder why many people feel uneasy during a water crisis. But it’s time we face the facts: Southern California has been in a water shortage for three years, and as of June 1 water laws have been implemented. It’s now illegal to water lawns on days other than Monday or Thursday, and between 9a.m. and 4 p.m. Water utilities are also charging more for excess water use.  So do you part and help us save some blue gold (aka water.)

Challenge yourself to these easy YDT water saving tips…

1. Turn off the faucet:  You don’t need the water running when you brush your teeth, shave, and lather. Bam! You just saved a lot of water!

2. Get a low-flow shower head:  They’re cheap and super easy to install, just screw them on.

3. Wash full loads only:  Laundry and Dishwasher

4. Shorter Showers:   Wouldn’t you rather spend your time doing something else anyway, like reading the latest articles on YDT?

5. Flush Less:  Don’t use the toilet as a trashcan. Also, put the adage “if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down” into practice.

6. Water your lawn early or late:  It reduces evaporation, increasing the water available to the plants. Also, it’s the law; you can get heavily fined for watering at the wrong times.

7. Use a broom instead of a hose:  This saves a lot of water, and again, if you’re caught watering hard surfaces (sidewalks, driveways, parking areas), expect a fine.

8. Compete!  Well, the point is to spread the word, but if you’re up for a bit of friendly competition, challenge your family, friends, roommates, even enemies to a water saving contest. And there’s no better prize … the winner gets a healthy planet!

Need more inspiration?  Check out how we YDT-ers save blue gold in our own homes:

Pooja soaks pots and pans in the sink instead of scraping them clean with the tap running, brushes her teeth in the shower (saving a double whammy of water and time!) and turns off the faucet when sudsing up her hands with soap.

Tracy has a low flow showerhead (you can get one FREE from the LADWP), saving $50 to $75 on her yearly water bill.  She also uses waterless car wash spray, saving gallons by not dousing her wheels with a hose –as much as 100 of them. She’s loving Lucky Earth (sold at Whole Foods) and wants to try out Eco Touch (sold at The Green Life ) too.

Danielle uses a low flow showerhead and tap aerators but can’t wait to add one of these fourteen dollar faucet adaptors (sold at All Shades of Green) to her sink as well . Plus, she waters her herbs with what’s leftover in her SIGG when she walks in the door and yes, always lets the yellow mellow when guests aren’t around.

Water Laws
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Tags: Drought, Green LA, Green Living LA, LADWP, Low Flow Shower Head, Save Water, water restrictions, Waterless Car Wash