New Year, New Savings: 'Save Our Water' Offers Top Tips for Conserving in 2012

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - Jan 12, 2012) - With a recent state survey showing California's snowpack moisture at record-low levels, 2012 is off to a dry -- and unpredictable -- start.

But the new year also brings new opportunities to make a difference in our state's water supplies by conserving. With just a few simple steps, Californians can reduce water use inside and outside the home, adding up to big savings overall. Some can even cut down on the workload at home.

"In California, the next drought is always just around the corner," said Timothy Quinn, executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies. "Having enough water is critical to every aspect of our lives. We must all do our part to conserve our state's most precious resource to ensure we have enough for future generations."

Save Our Water offers these tips for saving water in 2012:

• Only wash full loads of laundry and dishes
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth
• Keep showers to five minutes or less
• Replace water-guzzling toilets with low-flow models.
• Turn off automatic sprinkler system during the winter months
• Water outdoors only when needed, and consider replacing grass with low-water shrubs and flowers
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor spaces
• Install aerators on faucets to slow the flow

This complete list, along other water-saving tips for inside and outside the home, is available at www.saveourh20.org.

Launched in 2009 as a partnership between ACWA and the state Department of Water Resources, Save Our Water aims to educate Californians about everyday steps they can take to conserve water.

The program plans to launch a mobile application of its website, www.saveourh20.org, in the spring that will allow homeowners to view water-friendly landscaping ideas from their smart phones and mobile devices.

For more ways to save and to learn more about the Save Our Water program, visit www.saveourh2o.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Save Our Water is a partnership between the California Department of Water Resources and the Association of California Water Agencies.