Why Should I Conserve Water?
Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. This stretches our supplies farther, and protects our natural resources. The City of Visalia receives one hundred percent of its water from groundwater. If we do not conserve and protect our most precious and limited resource, water will rapidly become scarce and expensive. Using less water also puts less pressure on our sewage treatment facilities, and uses less energy for water heating. To learn more click on the City of Visalia's Residential & Commercial Watering Regulations. 

The California Water Awareness Campaign
The California Water Awareness Campaign is a year-long effort by organizations throughout California to heighten public awareness about the conservation, supply, quality, and distribution of water. For more information on available water conservation tips and resources please click on The California Water Awareness Campaign.

The Water and Energy Connection
Saving water also saves energy. 6.5% of the energy used in the state of California is for pumping and treating water--in fact, pumping water south (and uphill) in the State Water Project accounts for 2-3% of all the electricity used in the state. And for your personal energy bill, using less hot water saves on water heating. On the flip side, saving energy and using alternative energy saves water--electricity production from fossil fuels and nuclear energy is responsible for 39% of all freshwater withdrawals in the nation. Saving water also saves energy. 6.5% of the energy used in the state of is for pumping and treating water--in fact, pumping water south (and uphill) in the State Water Project accounts for 2-3% of all the electricity used in the state. And for your personal energy bill, using less hot water saves on water heating. On the flip side, saving energy and using alternative energy saves water--electricity production from fossil fuels and nuclear energy is responsible for 39% of all freshwater withdrawals in the nation. Saving water also saves energy. 6.5% of the energy used in the state of is for pumping and treating water--in fact, pumping water south (and uphill) in the State Water Project accounts for 2-3% of all the electricity used in the state. And for your personal energy bill, using less hot water saves on water heating. On the flip side, saving energy and using alternative energy saves water--electricity production from fossil fuels and nuclear energy is responsible for 39% of all freshwater withdrawals in the nation.

What can you do?
There are many effective ways to conserve water in and around your home. Look through the following links for ideas and tips that will work for you:
                                 
Save Our Water          H2OHouse       Cal Water Conservation Facts & Tips

STAGE 3
The City of Visalia is in a Mandatory Stage 3 of the Water Conservation Ordinance enabling the City to preserve the underground water supply we have for our community.

TIPS
Please do your part to conserve water by following the mandatory watering requirements that apply to all properties in the city boundaries.

Use water efficient plants in your yard.  In addition to the water savings you will see there are a number of other benefits that come with water efficient landscaping. They include reduced fertilizer and chemical use, less weed growth, less energy use, less water run-off and reduced maintenance.  Click on water efficient plants list to view a list of plants perfect for Visalia's climate. 

Please check your sprinklers (on your watering day) for any broken pipes or sprinkler heads needing adjustment. We also recommend that you review your sprinkler timer to see if it needs replacing the battery and the time is correct. (Batteries should be checked every 6 months when changing to daylight savings and back).

Slopes can be challenging because of the potential for erosion and runoff.  If slopes cannot be avoided in landscape design, install plantings with deeper root zones such as native ground covers and shrubs to provide stabilization and prevent erosion.  

Turfgrass receives the highest percentage of irrigation water in traditional landscaping.  To reduce your outdoor water use, plant turfgrass only where it has a practical function, such as a play area.  Choose turfgrass types that don't use a lot of water.  Select low-water-use or native grasses and those that can withstand drought.

FALL AND WINTER GUIDELINES
When the Rain begins . . . turn your sprinklers off.
If you must water, follow your watering day policies.