Our commitment to water conservation
The City of Santa Ana is very focused on water conservation and is a Signatory with the California Urban Water Conservation Council. Additionally, we are proud of the progress made in many areas such as:
- Educating residents on smart water use habits and water conservation programs
- Offering free California-friendly landscape training
- Utilizing approximately 66 gallons of water per capita per day, among the lowest in Orange County which averages approximately 109 gallons per day. (Source: Santa Ana 2020 Urban Water Management Plan & MWDOC 2020 UWMP)
- Providing weather-based irrigation, utilizing sensors that monitor moisture levels, to water only when necessary
- Providing rebates for high-efficiency appliances, devices and turf replacement through our partnership with Metropolitan Water District. Taking advantage of these rebates save water and money for residents.
- Providing reclaimed water to commercial and industrial users for irrigation or processes
- Actively working with City departments to adopt water conservation techniques and equipment
- Working with the Municipal Water District of Orange County and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California on a variety of conservation efforts
Small Changes. Big Impact.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, small changes inside and outside your home can have a big impact on your annual water use. These quick tips will help you get started today. Remember, it’s up to each of us to do our part to use water wisely and preserve our water reserves for future generations.
Water saving tips
- Stop Running Water. Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth and shaving. Doing so will save up to 2.5 gallons per minute.
- Limit your Showers to 5 Minutes. Spend only 5 minutes in the shower and save up to 8 gallons each time.
- Scrape Before Washing. Scrape your dishes instead of using your kitchen faucet to wash food off your plates.
- Wash Full Loads Only. Washing only full loads of laundry and dishes can save 15-50 gallons per load.
- Buy Efficient Appliances. Premium high efficiency toilets use 20% less water. Rebates start at $40. High-efficiency clothes washers use 55% less water and can save up to 11,000 gallons per year. Rebates start at $85.
- Control The Flow. Install a water efficient shower head that uses no more than two gallons per minute and save up to 2,700 gallons per year. Install an aerator to your kitchen faucet and save 1.5 gallons per minute.
- Stop The Running. A continuously running or leaking toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water every Replacing old or worn-out toilet flappers (e.g., valve seal) that cause leaks can be a quick and easy fix to save water.
- Fix The Drips. A leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. Find and fix plumbing leaks immediately. Remember, Santa Ana’s Permanent Water Conservation Requirements state leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of notification by the City.
- Put down the Hose. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalks and save 100 gallons each time. Use a bucket and soapy sponge instead of a hose to wash your car and save up to 100 gallons of water each wash.
- Don’t Over-Water. Eliminating just one watering day can save 500 gallons a week or more!
- Choose the Right Time. You should only be watering outdoors between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sticking to these times reduces evaporation and saves up to 5 gallons each time you water.
- Reduce Evaporation. Surround your plant with mulch and reduce water evaporation by protecting soil surface from direct sunlight.
- Maintain Your System. Check your sprinkler system for leaks, overspray and broken sprinkler heads and save up to 500 gallons per week.
- Control What You Need. Install a smart sprinkler controller that adjusts watering based on weather, soil type and amount of shade and save 40 gallons a day.
- Capture Rain. Collect and reuse rainwater for your lawn or garden with a rain barrel or cistern. Rebates start at $35 per barrel or $250 per cistern.
- Go Native. California Friendly® and OC native plants are naturally drought tolerant and use up to 85% less water per year than a traditional lawn.
Want more information about water conservation?
- Visit our resources page where you will find links to everything from sustainable landscapes and California Friendly® plants, to water saving calculators and resources for kids.
- Download our indoor and outdoor tip sheets.
- Take a free virtual landscaping class, hosted by Santa Ana's Public Works Agency (see image below).
- Learn about rebates and incentives for high efficiency appliances.
- Check out these additional resources:
