It’s getting hotter, and water bills can soar.  But there are ways to prevent this.  The City of San Diego’s Water Conservation Program suggests a variety of water-saving actions that will help you save water and money.

"Summer is the perfect time of year to get your family accustomed to saving water while they’re outdoors enjoying the great weather," said Chris Robbins, Supervising Management Analyst for the City of San Diego Water Department’s Water Conservation Program. "Water saving techniques can result in lowered utility bills and a life-long appreciation for one of San Diego’s most precious resources."

Luis Generoso, Water Resources Manager, City of San Diego Water Department gives us some hints for summer water savings

1. Adjust the timer on your sprinkler system to provide your lawn and plants with the appropriate amount of water. To create a free customized watering schedule, check out the Landscape Watering Calculator on the City’s website at www.sandiego.gov/water.

It’s also a good idea to make sure sprinklers are aimed appropriately to prevent wasted water on driveways and sidewalks.

2. When mowing your lawn, use a "mulching" attachment on your mower. This allows your mower to cut up the grass into smaller pieces you can leave on the lawn, instead of bagging the clippings and sending them out with the trash or green waste. Mulching the clippings also helps to nourish your lawn and slow evaporation, keeping moisture in the soil and lawn longer that if it were unprotected.

3. Plant low-water use and drought tolerant plants in your garden. For a list of these plants, download a free brochure on the Water Department’s website at www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation.

You can also visit the Water Conservation Garden for tips on choosing and maintaining healthy water-wise plants that are both drought tolerant and beautiful. For more information on the garden and its special events, call (619) 660-0614 or visit thegarden.org.

4. Wash your car on your lawn instead of your driveway. This helps to make the most of what would be wasted water by allowing your lawn to absorb the excess water. Another option is to take your car to a professional car wash that recycles the wash water.

5. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean up driveways and backyard patios. Outdoor parties and barbecues are popular activities during the summer months, so try sweeping away the mess instead of hosing to save water and protect the environment by preventing unwanted debris from entering your storm drain.

6. Cover your pool when it’s not being used to save water by preventing evaporation. This will also help to keep it clean.

7. Check your indoor and outdoor faucets for leaks. Or, schedule a free indoor and outdoor water use analysis with the City’s Residential Water Survey Program. Single family and multi-family (up to 8 units) residents who are customers of the Water Department are eligible for this free service. Participants receive useful water saving tips and fixtures for their home. For more information, call (619) 515-3500.