Ration even in the rain

The rainy season may be on the way in Northern California, but the region is nowhere near meeting its annual rainfall target. With state and federal water authorities predicting water-rationing next year, conservation measures should be practiced during fall and winter as well as spring and summer.

Water conservation is easy, and with the likelihood of price increases in Chico’s future, it can also ease strains on the pocketbook.

Here are a few good tips:

• Spy on your sprinkler: Make sure you’re watering only your lawn and other greenery, not the sidewalk, street or house. Also, avoid watering on windy days.

• Fill ’em up: Save as much as 1,000 gallons a month by using the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.

• Sweep it: Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway, deck or sidewalk.

• Double your pleasure: Place a bowl at the bottom of the sink when you rinse your veggies and use the collected water for your houseplants.

• Either, not both: For goodness’ sake, turn off the sprinklers when it’s raining!

Source: www.wateruseitwisely.com