Contact Information

Phone:
530-757-5686

Email:
pwweb@cityofdavis.org

Address:
1717 Fifth Street Davis, CA 95616

Hours:
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
(Closed Holidays)

Access to the Corporation Yard is by phone call or appointment only.

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Water-Saving Tips

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Image of an open dishwasher full of dishes, a toilet and a clothes washer full of clothes The weather in California is highly variable and we need to conserve water year-round whether in a prolonged dry period or a time period of significant precipitation. See the tips below for both short and long-term water use savings.

Laundry, Kitchen and Bathroom

In the Laundry

Run full loads. When washing clothes, wait to run until you have a full load.
Remove clothes promptly. Avoid having to rinse or wash clothes a second time by removing them promptly from your washer.
Replace your existing washing machine. When it is time to replace your washing machine, choose an Energy Star certified clothes washer.

In the Kitchen

Fix leaky faucets. Consider adding a faucet aerator, if you don't have one, for a more even flow which reduces splashing and saves water.
Run full loads. Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load.
Scrape food scraps. Save water by scraping food off dishes before rinsing them.
Rinse fruits and vegetables in a sink or pan. Instead of running water when rinsing fruits and vegetables, fill the sink or a pan with water instead. The collected water can be used to water your plants.

In the Bathroom

Install a low-flow showerhead. Choose a low-flow showerhead with the WaterSense label.
Replace your (older) toilet. Consider replacing older model toilets with new ultra-low-flush models.
Check your toilets for leaks. Silent toilet flapper leaks are one of the most common leaks in a home.
While waiting for hot water, catch water in a bucket to use later for watering plants.
Turn-off water while brushing. Turn off water while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
Fix leaky faucets. Consider adding a faucet aerator, if you don't have one, for a more even flow which reduces splashing and saves water.

Modernize your appliances

Upgrading older appliances like clothes washers, dishwashers, showerheads and toilets to more efficient models can save water in your home.

Appliance	Older models	efficient models	Savings/use
Clothes Washer	27-40 gallons/load	13 gallons/load	14-27 gallons /load
Dishwashers	10-15 gallons/cycle	5 gallons/cycle	5-10 gallons/cycle
Faucets/Aerators	3 gallons/minute	1.2 gallons/minute	1.8 gallons/minute
Showerhead	3 gallons/minute	1.8 gallons/minute	1.2 gallons/minute
Toilets	1.6-5 gallons/flush	1.28 gallons/flush	0.32-3.72 gallons/flush

Outdoors

Reduce Water Use Outdoors

Utilize grey water. Supplement your irrigation needs with water from your washing machine (a laundry-to-landscape system).
Harvest rainwater. Capture, infiltrate or utilize rainwater for irrigation use rather than allowing it to run-off the property.
Convert unused turf to low water-use plants. Consider other alternatives to turf on your property if it is only serving an aesthetic function.
Switch to drip irrigation. Drip irrigation provides water directly to plants and reduces runoff. Drip can also minimize evaporation and promote a good soil/water environment.
Choose low water-use plants. Choose climate-ready plants, that are also low water-use, appropriate to our region. Consider native plants and plants with other benefits like pollinators.
Group plants by water usage. Group plants by hydrozones (water usage) to irrigate your landscape the most efficiently

Pools and Spas

Reduce Pool/Spa Water Use

Cover it up. Reduce evaporation and water waste with a good pool or spa cover.
Recycle spa water. When you drain your hot tub, let it sit open for 48-72 hours with no new chemicals added. Then, the water will be safe to use on most garden plants.
Turn off waterfalls and fountains. Shutting off waterfalls, fountains and other features reduces water loss and evaporation.
Fix leaks. Save water by staying on top or any leaks or service problems.
If it’s clean, don’t drain. Water only needs to be changed in a spa 2-3 times a year with proper maintenance and new water cleaning technology. Pools only need to be drained if required for repair.

Find more tips in the Save Our Water Pools and Spas PDF

Kids and Educators

Greener Davis Environmental Activities

On the City's Greener Davis webpage you will find a list of fun activities, websites, games and virtual tours that will keep the whole family entertained while learning about the natural environment, climate change, water conservation, pollution prevention and more! Activities include general environmental activities, water conservation, nature and wildlife, gardening and recycling and composting.

City of Davis, CA

Contact Information

Water-Saving Tips

In the Laundry

In the Kitchen

In the Bathroom

Modernize your appliances

Reduce Water Use Outdoors

Reduce Pool/Spa Water Use

Greener Davis Environmental Activities

Activities for Kids

Resources for Educators

General

Outdoors

Indoors

Kids & Educators

Businesses