Day of Reckoning on Water UseApproaches for Sonoma County

Suddenly we're all wondering how to cut back 30% on our water usage.

Suddenly? Around here it's like talking about the Big One - the earth shattering earthquake that we all know will strike someday. We talk about it, then forget about it, and never prepare ourselves for the inevitable.

Well, the water story in California is the same. We all know the reality of the climate - and we all know how much the Bay Area has grown over the past twenty or thirty years. At some point the water supply and water demand lines were going to cross and then start heading in opposing directions. Probably just needed a drought year to tip the balance.

OK, so we've all been put on notice. So what do we do now?

First and foremost - stop the leaks
You’d be surprised how much water goes down the drain as a result of leaking faucets and connections or running toilets. If you need the cold hard facts, visit this USGS website to find out just how much one leaky faucet can set back your water budget. Check it out.

Also, it’s a good idea to have a separate shut-off for your irrigation system so that if leaks develop outside – and they often do – you can shut your system down until repairs can be made without affecting the house supply.

Replace your old water-hungry toilet
The toilet is certainly the largest water user inside your house, so take advantage of the Sonoma County Water Agency’s rebate program and replace any old non low flow toilets. The water agency will reimburse Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District customers (sewer customers, not septic users) $150 for each high-efficiency toilet installed when you are replacing an old non low flow model. Not bad!

...and water-hungry clothes washer
Did you know that front loading clothes washers (also called horizontal axis machines) cut water use by nearly 40 percent. A typical top-loading machine uses about 40 gallons of water for each full load. In comparison, a front loading clothes washer uses only 20 to 25 gallons. You do the math. Depending on how many loads you wash, you could save as much as 7,000 gallons of water per year.

In addition to the water savings, you also save the energy you would have used to heat that water. Plus, these appliances use less energy than conventional washers - approximately 50 percent less, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Not bad.

Rebates are also available for installing water efficient clothes washers; check with Valley of the Moon Water District (996-1037) or City of Sonoma (938-3681) for more info on what appliances qualify for rebate. On septic? You may still qualify for the same rebates if you are a Valley of the Moon Water District customer or get your water from the City of Sonoma. Check with your water supplier for details.

Consider a Hot Water Recirculation Pump
Are you running the tap waiting for the hot water to arrive? It's a big water waster, but what are ya' gonna do, right?

Wrong. A hot water recirculation system could be just the ticket.

Think about it. You may not run the hot water all day long while the family is away from home at work and school. During that time, heated water lays in the line cooling off. Then when you do get home - or up in the morning - and need the hot water, all that unused and now tepid water needs to be run through the line - and down the drain - before fresh hot water reaches the faucet.

It's goofy. Standard faucets and showerheads put out 2.2 - 2.5 gallons per minute. Even low flow fixtures will allow up to 1.6 gallons down the drain while you wait for hot water. That adds up.

With a recirculation system, water temperature is maintained in the line when you need it most. At Boden Plumbing, we like the Grundfos Comfort System. It's a straightforward install and easy to maintain. The pump attaches to your hot water heater and a small return valve is unobtrusively installed on the furthest faucet in the home. Since the existing lines are used, there's no added expense for additional lines. Then timers keep that hot water circulating in the pipes just when you need it most - saving time, energy, water. You name it.

Choose appropriate plants
Customers in our service area enjoy a Mediterranean climate, which means hot dry summers. With so many wonderful choices available, there's really no excuse for watering plants adapted to a different climate. Reducing turf area to a sensible minimum and growing plants best suited for your area automatically reduces your irrigation use.

...as long as you follow through and water less, that is
Duh! But you'd be surprised - you might even surprise yourself. Seriously, remember to adjust your watering schedule to match your new heat- and sun-loving landscape. Also, include plenty of hose bibs in your outside set-up for easy hand watering and spot watering.

Would you like more information? Visit www.h2ouse.org for more details on wise water use. Or e-mail us here at Boden Plumbing.


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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com