Advice from Owlie - Recent Water Saver

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I'm fairly new to your column, but I'm already using some of your tips for saving water.  A few weeks ago, you wrote about some tips for saving water in the kitchen.  Do you have any more water-saving tips I can use in my kitchen?  
Sincerely, 
Recent Water Saver

A: Dear Recent Water Saver, 
Welcome to my column and thank you for using these water-saving tips.  Since the previous column entry, I have started using several new water-saving tips in my kitchen.  Specifically, when hand washing dishes, fill one sink with soapy water then quickly rinse dishes under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.  Other tips include soaking pots and pans instead of scraping with running water and defrosting food in the refrigerator or with the defrost setting on microwaves, instead of with running water.  These kitchen tips can help you reach your low water use goals.  To learn more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org.

Good luck with these new water-saving tips for your kitchen, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie - Water Wise Researcher

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

Since researching ways to conserve water, I have started to run out of indoor water-saving ideas.  Decreasing my water consumption has become a nonstop goal, and I need your help to continue saving water.  What are some indoor tips I can use to lower my water use?
Sincerely, 
Water Wise Researcher

A: Dear Water Wise Researcher, 
I am glad to hear that you've been researching water conservation tips.  There are plenty of tips to use from my weekly column, but I do have some additional indoor tips you  may use.  Indoor tips that can save water include taking showers as soon as other people are done, which reduces time spent waiting for water to get warm, reusing towels at home to reduce the amount of times you need to do laundry and using only one glass or reusable bottle per day for your drinking needs to reduce the amount of dirty dishes.  These tips combined can help you continue saving water.  Learn more tips to save water at www.ieua.org.

Good luck in putting these water-saving tips to use, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

My brother and I have been reading your column for three months and have been using your tips around the house.  Since these tips have been decreasing my parents' water use, they've given us the task of looking for more water-saving tips to use around our house.  Do you have any tips for us to use to help our family save water?
Sincerely, 
Water Preserving Youngster

A: Dear Water Preserving Youngster, 
I am happy to hear that you have been helping your parents save water.  The tips that you and your brother have been using are already making a difference in your parents' water use.  There are other tips you can use to help, which include not pre-rinsing your dishes if your parents have a newer dishwasher, since the newer models clean dishes more efficiently and reusing water that has been used to steam vegetables and make pasta, which can be used to water house plants or act as a base for soup.  Be sure to visit www.ieua.org for more water-saving tips.

Good luck in using more water-saving tips to help your parents use less water, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie - Water-Saving Gardener

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

After reading your column on weather-based "smart" irrigation controllers, I have since installed one and noticed a decrease in my water use.  Now, I'm looking for more water-saving tips to use outdoors.  Do you have any tips I can use to continue saving water outdoors?
Sincerely, 
                                                     Water-Saving Gardener

A: Dear Water-Saving Gardener, 
I am glad to hear you've installed a weather-based "smart" irrigation controller.  The irrigation controller should help you reduce your monthly water use significantly.  But, if you are still looking for outdoor tips, I suggest avoiding over fertilizing your lawn, as it can increase your water consumption.  Also, aerate your lawn periodically, which allows water to better reach the roots and use a broom or blower to clean leaves from the driveway.  All of these tips can help you save water outdoors.  For more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org.

Best of luck in reducing your outdoor water use, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie - Water Conserving Host

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I am hosting a rather large party at my home, but I am worried about wasting too much water.  I've been using several of your water-saving tips and would not want my hard work to go to waste.  What can I do to be a good host, while still maintaining my low water use goals?
Sincerely, 
                                                      Water Conserving Host

A: Dear Water Conserving Host, 
Thank you for working hard to save water.  Parties are not only fun, but can be a great opportunity to use and share water-saving tips with your guests.  Water-saving party tips include serving water only when requested by guests, using compostable plates, cups and utensils and serving food from pots and pans instead of a serving dish, which can help reduce how many dishes need to be washed.  These tips can help you be a great host, while meeting your low water use goals.  To learn more indoor water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org. 

Good luck with saving water while hosting your party, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie - Water Preserving Bather

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

Since we are in a drought, I have reduced the amount of time I spend in the shower.  Although I've reduced the time, I still feel as if I'm wasting water.  What shower tips do you have to help me continue saving water while showering?
Sincerely, 
Water Preserving Bather

A: Dear Water Preserving Bather, 
I am glad you have shortened your showers to cut back your water use.  There are plenty of water-saving shower tips to use, but I have a few recommendations.  Some tips include: as you wait for the shower water to heat up, place a bucket in the shower to collect the cold water and reuse it, and install water-saving showerheads that use 2.5 gallons per minute, which can save you thousands of gallons per month.  These tips can help you save water even while showering.  For more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org.

Good luck with your water-saving showers, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie - Water Conscious Homeowner

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

Since my family has been using some of your indoor and outdoor water-saving tips, we have saved a significant amount of water.  Although we have been using these tips, we have noticed a lack of water-saving tips for the kitchen.  What are some water-saving tips that can be used in kitchens?
Sincerely, 
                                                     Water Conscious Homeowner

A: Dear Water Conscious Homeowner, 
Thank you for using my water-saving tips and continuing to find ways to save water.  There are many water-saving tips you can use for the kitchen.  Some tips to use include watering house plants with water used to rinse fruits and vegetables and scraping food from plates into the trash, instead of a garbage disposal.  These water-saving kitchen tips can help you reach your water-saving goals.  Learn more water-saving tips at www.ieua.org.

Good luck with saving water in your kitchen activities, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I replaced some of my landscape with water-wise, California native plants, but due to my budget, I had to keep a portion of my lawn.  Although I'm keeping some of my lawn, I would still like to use less water on my landscape overall.  What tips can I use on my lawn to help me save water?
Sincerely, 
                                                     Water-Wise Landscaper

A: Dear Water-Wise Landscaper, 
Thank you for your interest in water-saving solutions for your lawn.  The water-wise, California native plants you've planted will surely help you save water on your landscape.  Since you have to keep some of your lawn, one of the best things you can do to save water is to raise your lawnmower blades to 3" or more.  This height encourages grass roots to grow deeper and stronger, which can save you 16-50 gallons per day.  To learn more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org.

Best of luck to you and your water-saving landscape, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

After reading your column, I have used several of your indoor water-saving tips, but I'm still looking for more to use in the bathroom, since decreasing my water use has become a way of life.  What are some additional water-saving tips for bathrooms I can use to continue my water savings?
Sincerely, 
                                                     Water-Saving Enthusiast

A: Dear Water-Saving Enthusiast, 
I am glad to hear you have been using my indoor water-saving tips.  Some bathroom water-saving tips include turning off the shower while shampooing, rinsing with water from a glass after brushing teeth and turning off the faucet while shaving, which alone can save you 10 gallons per person/day.  All of these small tips can add up to more water savings.  Find more indoor water-saving tips at www.ieua.org.

Good luck to you and your water-saving efforts, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

As the summer heats up, I'm worried that I'm not watering my landscape efficiently.  The soil around my trees and plants is alarmingly dry, but since we are in a drought, I do not want to use more water.  What can I do to ensure the water for my landscape is being used efficiently?   
Sincerely, 
                                                     Efficient Water-User 

A: Dear Efficient Water-User, 
Thank you for looking for ways to water your landscape efficiently.  The summer brings with it higher rates of evaporation, but mulch can help conserve your soil's moisture.  Use organic mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation, improve the soil and prevent weeds.  This can save you 20-30 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. each time you water.  Also, try installing drip irrigation, which directly applies water to the roots of shrubs and trees.  Learn more outdoor watering tips at www.ieua.org.  

Good luck with using water for your landscape more efficiently, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I'm a passionate water saver and pet lover.  I've used several of your water-saving tips for indoors and outdoors, but I have not seen any tips related to pet owners.  Are there any water-saving tips I can use that allow me to own pets and still save water?  
Sincerely, 
Water-Saving Pet Owner 

A: Dear Water-Saving Pet Owner, 
I am happy to hear that you are looking for ways to save water, while being a pet owner.  Pets need water just like us, but owning a pet does not mean you cannot continue to save water.  There are many water-saving pet tips you can use, including washing your pet on your lawn with eco-friendly shampoo, using your pet's old drinking water to water plants, watering your house plants with old water from your freshwater aquarium, and using water left in drinking glasses or water bottles to fill up your pet's water bowl.  These are easy tips you can use to enjoy your pets and still save water.  For more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org. 

Best of luck to you in your water-saving quest, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

 I recently moved into a new home, but the house itself is rather old.  The toilets have not been replaced in some time and are terrible water wasters.  What type of toilets should I buy to save me the most water?  
Sincerely, 
Water Wasting Remover

A: Dear Water Wasting Remover, 
Thank you for actively looking for a replacement of your water-wasting toilet.  The latest and greatest water-saving models of toilets are the Dual-Flush, “High-Efficiency Toilets.”  These toilets have two flush options, a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, which can use as little as .8 – 1.28 gallons per flush.  This “High-Efficiency Toilet” can save you up to 19 gallons per person/day, and if replacing a traditional toilet with this model, you can save approximately 23,000 gallons a year.  Visit www.ieua.org to learn more water-saving tips. 

Good luck with your replacement of your water-wasting toilet, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

Although I have not washed my car in some time, I would like to have it washed soon.  With the current water restrictions, I am not sure if I can wash it myself.  Do you know if I can wash my car myself and what I may need to make sure I don’t use too much water?  
Sincerely, 
Water-Saving Car Owner 

A: Dear Water-Saving Car Owner, 
Thank you for reaching out and asking for help with your car washing situation.  Due to the drought, car owners are asked to cut back their car washes, but if your car must be washed, there are two tips to help save water.  To save the most amount of water, either have your car washed at a car wash that uses recycled water, or wash it with a bucket, sponge and hose with a shut-off nozzle, which is now required for home garden hoses.  This can save you 8-18 gallons per minute. For more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org. 

Best of luck to you and your water-saving car washes, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I have noticed that I need to refill my pool and spa more frequently.  My family and I do not use it too much so I’m assuming it’s from evaporation.  As the summer heats up, I would like to invest in a pool and spa cover to reduce the amount of water that evaporates, but I am worried about the cost.  Do the gallons of water saved outweigh the initial cost of buying a cover?  
Sincerely, 
Pool Water Preserver

A: Dear Pool Water Preserver, 
I am glad you are considering the purchase of a pool and spa cover.  During the summer, water in pools and spas can be lost to evaporation. This evaporation rate may be higher in southern California, where temperatures can reach triple digits.  With a cover, however, you can reduce the evaporation rate by 30 – 90 %, depending on the quality of the pool cover.  Yearly, a pool and spa cover can save the average homeowner 4,844 to 7,161 gallons of water.  To learn more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org. 

Good luck with your pool and spa cover purchase, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I have noticed what appears to be hard water stains on my driveway and sidewalk.  With the recent requirement to eliminate water runoff from homes, I am concerned that this may be caused by runoff from my sprinklers, but I’m not sure since I water my lawn in the early morning hours.  What can I do to stop this runoff and ensure the water is being used for my landscape?  
Sincerely, 
Runoff Worrier

A: Dear Runoff Worrier, 
Thank you for being aware of your runoff problem and wanting to fix it.  When your sprinklers run, walk on the edge of your property to see if there is indeed runoff.  Once you have confirmed the runoff problem, you can change your watering schedule to eliminate it.  One of the best solutions to combat runoff is splitting your 15 minute watering sessions into two, 5-8 minute spurts of watering sessions 30-45 minutes apart.  This allows the water to infiltrate into the soil, thereby eliminating the runoff.  To learn more outdoor watering tips, visit www.ieua.org.

Best of luck in fixing your runoff problem and saving your water for your landscape, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

My irrigation controller broke and I am looking to replace it with a newer model.  I have heard there are new models that can help me save water.  What type of controller do you recommend to help me save water?  
Sincerely, 
Water Conscious Consumer

A: Dear Water Conscious Consumer, 

Thank you for your interest in using a water-saving irrigation controller.  A great water-saving irrigation controller is called a weather based “smart” irrigation controller.  These irrigation controllers water landscapes based on the local weather and soil conditions, therefore adapting to the needs of the plants in your landscape.  A weather based “smart” irrigation controller can save you up to 8,800 gallons a year.  Learn more about irrigation controllers at www.ieua.org.

Good luck to you and your water-saving efforts, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I have noticed a decrease in my water consumption on my water bill since putting your indoor water-saving tips to use.  Despite this decrease in water, I feel like I am missing some tips that I can use outside to save water.  What are some outdoor watering habits that will continue to lower my water use?  
Sincerely, 
                                                     Water Wise Homeowner

A: Dear Water Wise Homeowner, 

I am happy to hear you have been putting my indoor water-saving tips to use!  Some tips to use outside include checking your sprinklers to ensure they are watering your lawn and garden and not the sidewalk, changing your irrigation times every month to water early in the morning or later in the evening and not watering on windy days.  These tips can help you reach your low water use goals.  Learn more water-saving tips at www.ieua.org. 

Good luck with saving more water on your next water bill, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

Since I’m pretty handy around the house, I would like to do some repairs – or upgrades – this spring that will help me to use less water.  What are some repairs or upgrades that you recommend?  
Sincerely, 
Water Conserving Handyman 

A: Dear Water Conserving Handyman, 

It is great that you are willing to tackle some water-saving home repairs.  Some repairs you can do around your home include fixing any leaks on faucets, showers and toilets.  Every leak fixed in your home can save you up to 20 gallons of water a day.  While fixing faucet leaks, you can also install aerators on all of your household faucets, which slow the flow of water to less than one gallon per minute.  For more information on how you can save water, visit www.ieua.org.

Good luck with your water-saving repairs, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

While I was playing soccer at the park, I noticed purple pipes near the field. What are purple pipes, and why are they at my park? 
Sincerely, 
Young Purple Pipe Enthusiast 

A: Dear Young Purple Pipe Enthusiast, 

Thank you for your question about purple pipes. The color purple on the pipes means they hold recycled water. Recycled water is water made by treating wastewater and is great for watering golf courses and parks, like the park where you play soccer. Recycled water is important to use for irrigation so we can save more of the drinking water for us, and not the plants. If you want to learn more about recycled water, visit www.ieua.org.

Good luck with your soccer and I hope you spread the word about purple pipes, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I’m thinking about re-landscaping my yard. What types of plants should I use to reduce my water use? 
Sincerely, 
Water-Conscious Gardener

A: Dear Water-Conscious Gardener, 
Thank you for your interest in using water-wise plants for your landscape. The plants that fit your water-saving needs are drought tolerant, or southern California native plants. These plants are as beautiful as they are water-saving. Some of these plants include Purple Sage, California Wild Rose, Cleveland Sage, and Deer Grass. You can see all of these plants, and more, at the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park, watersavinggardenfriendly.com or follow IEUA's Twitter account @IEUAwater for Friday Foliage, a weekly look at water-wise plants, for more garden inspiration. 

Best wishes to you and your water-saving efforts,
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

Even though we’re in a drought, my family still uses a lot of water daily. What water-saving ideas can I share with my family so we can save water everyday? 
Sincerely, 
Young Water-Saver 

A: Dear Young Water-Saver, 
Thank you for reaching out and asking what you can do to help save water. Some things you can do include limiting showers to five minutes or less, turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth and sweeping, not spraying, your driveway! These little things can add up to big water savings. Learn more water-saving tips at www.ieua.org. 

Good luck on your water-saving mission, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I’m interested in buying new water-efficient appliances. What appliances should I buy that will help me save water? Sincerely, 
Water-Saving Shopper

A: Dear Water-Saving Shopper, 
Thank you for your water-saving question. The main water-using appliances are dishwashers and laundry machines. When purchasing these appliances, look for water-efficient models. Installing a water- and energy-efficient dishwasher and washing machine, and running full loads, can save you 15-45 gallons per load. For more information, visit www.ieua.org.

Best wishes to you and your water-saving efforts, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I have been reading about natural habitats recently, and I came across what was called a wetlands. Are there any wetlands I can visit that are located in the Inland Empire? 

Sincerely, 

Wetlands Wonderer

A: Dear Wetlands Wonderer, 
You’ve come to the right owl for your question! I live in a wetlands called the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park. The Park is 22 acres in the city of Chino. It has a variety of climate appropriate and low water-use plants, and features a water-smart irrigation management system. It is FREE to the public, open from sunrise to sunset and has 1.7 miles of trails that will take you throughout the Park. The Park is a great place to see water conservation in person, the importance of wetlands in our environment, improving our water supply, storm-water treatment, and water-use efficiency. To learn more about the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park, visit www.ieua.org.

I hope to see you here soon, 
Owlie