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Conservation

UPUD CONSERVATION NOTICE – June 2022:

A new statewide emergency water conservation regulation that bans using potable (drinkable) water on decorative or non-functional grass at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties is now in effect.

The ban on watering non-functional turf (turf is defined as mowed grass) at commercial, industrial and institutional properties includes areas like the grass in front of or next to commercial buildings and common areas managed by homeowners’ associations. The ban does not include watering grass used for human recreation or other community activities, watering residential grass or watering trees. The ban also does not prohibit the use of recycled water for irrigating non-functional turf.

A violation of the non-functional turf irrigation provision is subject to a fine of up to $500.

CONSERVATION TIPS

Outdoor 
  • Water your lawn early in the morning or at night to avoid excess evaporation.
  • Do not over-water your lawn.
  • Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting.  Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture.
  • Aerate your lawn: Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
  • Check outdoor faucets and hoses for leaks.
  • Check automatic sprinklers for leaks, and make sure they are not running when it is raining.
  • Use a broom, rather than a hose to clean sidewalks or driveways
  • If you have a swimming pool, use a cover.  By so doing, you can cut the loss of water by evaporation by 90 percent.
  • Do not pour toxic chemicals (such as cleaning products, motor oil, weed killers, or paints) down the drain.  Dispose of them properly. Proper disposal is key to water conservation because water is easily contaminated. One gallon of improperly disposed motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water.
  • Use drip irrigation.
  • Plant low water-use plants.
  • Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.
  • Use a hose nozzle to turn off the water while you wash your car.
Inside You Home 
  • Fully load the dishwasher and clothes washer before running.
  • When washing dishes by hand, or when brushing your teeth, do not leave the water running.
  • Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets.  Dripping faucets can waste up to 2,000 gallons of water each year in the average home.  Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons per day.
  • Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in a microwave instead of running hot water over the food.
  • Use water-efficient shower heads
  • Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants or outdoor plants.
  • Insulate hot water pipes so you don’t have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.  You can save this running water too for watering your indoor plants.
  • Choose water-saving appliances, like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.
In Your Community 
  • Fully load the dishwasher and clothes washer before running.
  • When washing dishes by hand, or when brushing your teeth, do not leave the water running.
  • Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets.  Dripping faucets can waste up to 2,000 gallons of water each year in the average home.  Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons per day.
  • Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in a microwave instead of running hot water over the food.
  • Use water-efficient shower heads
  • Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants or outdoor plants.
  • Insulate hot water pipes so you don’t have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.  You can save this running water too for watering your indoor plants.
  • Choose water-saving appliances, like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.

Water saving tips and conservation information are also available at the following websites:

If you have any questions or need assistance with water use issues or efforts to conserve water, please contact our office:

Union Public Utility District
339 Main Street
Murphys, CA  95247
(209) 728-3651

Thank you for your continued efforts in conserving our greatest asset,  “Our Water”!!!

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