Water Conservation and Drought Information

Drought Emergency  

Water Restriction Information

 California is in the midst of extreme drought, the worst in history due to low reservoir levels and population growth. Governor Brown declared a state of emergency on January 17, 2014. 
 
 The City of Port Hueneme is asking its customers to join the effort in reducing water use statewide. Review your water bill to get a starting point of how much water your household is currently using. 
 
 Did you know that 50 to 70 percent of household water is used for landscaping, mostly lawns? This is the best place to start for immediate water savings. Lawns are commonly over-watered and many people will be surprised at how little watering their grass actually needs. Leaky irrigation heads and hoses account for a lot of water waste. 
 
Reduce the number of watering minutes and times per week one step at a time and watch your landscape for signs of stress. Avoid the “set it and forget it” mentality and irrigate consciously. If you have been considering transitioning from a turf grass yard to a drought tolerant, ocean-friendly garden visit www.porthuenemegardens.org for more information. 
 
 Toilets and washing machines are the highest indoor water users. One leaking toilet can waste between 300 to 60,000 gallons per month and even a slow drip from a faucet can use 450 gallons per month. Actively look for any leaks and make repairs as soon as possible. 
 
 Other ways to save: 
 
  • Test your water meter to ensure you don’t have a leak. Turn off all the water in your home. Observe the flow indicator on your water meter. If all the water is turned off and your flow indicator (little black triangle) is turning, you may have a leak.
  • Save the water in a bucket or pitcher while you are waiting for it to heat up. This can amount to 5 to 10 gallons per day depending upon the size of the household. Reuse the water for your garden or to flush the toilet.
  • Don’t allow the water to run while washing dishes or brushing your teeth or shaving. This can save upwards of 10 gallons per day depending upon household size.
  • Remember to wash only full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer.
  • Don’t hose off your driveway or sidewalk. Use a broom.
  • Don’t wash your car in the street. Go to a car wash that recycles its water.
  • Put aerators on all your faucets. This can save up to 3 gallons per sink.
  • Install a low-flow showerhead.
  • Even during a very small rain event, using a rain barrel can save a lot of water for later use. A 1,000 square foot roof can shed up to 620 gallons of water in a 1” rain event. That’s about 12 rain barrels!

For more information visit these helpful sites:
www.epa.gov/watersense/
www.bewaterwise.com
www.h2ouse.org
www.saveourh2o.org


Water Conservation

Water conservation is not only a shared responsibility of the City of Port Hueneme and its citizens, but a key part of an integrated resource strategy to ensure Port Hueneme’s customers continue to have enough water to meet their needs. As water becomes increasingly scarce, public agencies, businesses and water managers are looking for new and sustainable ways to resolve water supply concerns.

With the costs of water and sewer services on the rise, water conservation is just another way that you can help protect the environment and save money. Whether you use water wisely or waste water, we still pay for every drop. By conserving water, you can save on other services. When less hot water is used, less energy is required to heat the water, thereby decreasing electric and gas bills. When you use less water, less water goes down the sewer drain, which decreases your sewer bill. Water conservation is quite simple and something we should all get into the habit of doing. 

Often times, we seldom appreciate what is abundant and easy to obtain. We turn on the faucet at any time of the day, and water is there, ready for our use. But have you ever wondered where this water is coming from? It doesn’t just automatically appear. Treated water has to be carefully manufactured. It is only available in your home after it has gone through a lengthy treatment process and travels through miles of underground pipelines. 

Each of us will be better prepared for the next drought if we take action now by retrofitting high-water-using fixtures, appliances, equipment, and landscapes. When droughts occur, it seems to bring out the water conservationist in all of us. By practicing efficient water usage, it will reduce the amount of stress that we place on our resources. When we conserve water, it minimizes the wear and tear on major infrastructure such as water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as distribution systems which deliver water. 

The City of Port Hueneme has taken the necessary steps to reduce water consumption by implementing an outreach program to help educate you on the importance of water conservation. Port Hueneme’s Water Conservation Program offers you public awareness by providing technical assistance, educational outreach programs, and financial rebates. By participating in this program, you can help reduce water consumption while experiencing minimal lifestyle changes. Learning and living to be waterwise starts at an early age, so the City encourages the entire family to become active participants in this program. Furthermore, water conservation will not only help your children become responsible environmental citizens, but it also helps to ensure an adequate water supply. However, it is only when each of us embraces and applies effective water conservation measures, that the City can be successful in meeting its long-term water supply goals.
 
Click here to read the City of Port Hueneme Conservation Ordinance.
 
Remember, every drop counts…Let’s all do our share to conserve our precious water supplies!