Water Conservation

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Make Water Conservation A Way Of Life

The City of Manteca is dedicated to help residents and businesses conserve water. As a city, we understand we need to do our best to conserve this valuable resource.

To report water wasting, irrigation runoff, or storm drain pollution, use this link: https://www.manteca.gov/departments/information-technology-innovation/gorequesor call our Water Resources Coordinator at (209) 456-8492.
You can also click here to email the Water Division.

You can find current city rebates at https://www.manteca.gov/departments/public-works/water-division/current-city-rebates

Water Conservation Goodies: If you are in need of a showerhead, toilet tablets (to check for leaks), or a spray nozzle, the City of Manteca can supply you with these water conservation goodies. Click here to email us at the Water Division or call our Water Resources Coordinator Mrs. Mayorga at (209) 456-8492.

TIPS TO CONSERVE WATER

Bathroom Tips

Make it quick: Taking short showers saves water and energy too. You can use a timer. Aim for five minutes or less. To save even more, you can turn off the water while lathering up and turn it back on to rinse.
Go Low-Flow: Install low-flow showerheads. Going low flow can save up to 15 gallons of what during a ten-minute shower.
Turn Off the Tap: Don't let the water run while you lather your hands with soap or brush your teeth. Turn it on only to rinse.
Look For Leaks: Check the toilet and faucets for leaks at least once a year. Repairing leaks is on of the easiest, most effective ways to save water at home.
Don't Be a Foolish Flusher: Flushing trash down the toilet uses unnecessary water. Use the trash bin instead.
Use Less: Faucet aerators are inexpensive and simple to install. Plus, they reduce water consumption without reducing pressure.
Have a Dual: Consider installing a high-efficiency toilet or a dual-flush toilets have two flush options- a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste.
Rinse Your Razor: Use a cup or basin of water when shaving to rinse your razor. Don't let the water run!
Showers Are Best: It takes about 70 gallons of water to fill an average bathtub. Taking a shower uses significantly less water and is the smarter way to bathe.

Kitchen Tips

Scrub-a-Dub: Wash vegetables and fruits in a bowl or tub of water and scrub them with a vegetable brush instead of letting the faucet run.
Pick Energy Star: Water-efficient dishwashers use less than 5.5 gallons of water per load. Replacing an old, inefficient dishwasher can save up to 1,000 gallons per year.
Don't Be Excessive: Use the proper pan size and amount of water when cooking. This will save water and keep more nutrients in your food.
Keep a Pitcher in the Fridge: Instead of running the tap, keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator.
Fill It Up: Make sure to run the dishwasher only when it's full, and try not to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher-just scrape them!
Think Ahead: Defrost frozen food items in the fridge overnight instead of running them under water.
Reuse: Leftover water from cooking foods like pasta can be saved to water your plants. Make sure to let it cool down first!
Plug It: When handwashing the dishes, plug the sink or use a tub of water so you don't need to let the faucet run.
Choose the Tap: When possible, drink water from the tap instead of bottled water. It takes about 1.5 gallons of water to manufacture a single plastic bottle.

Laundry Tips

Wash Full Loads: Wash full loads of laundry, and be sure to select the appropriate water level or load size option on the washing machine and dryer.
Air Dry: If you can, use a laundry line to air dry clothes instead of using the clothes dryer. Using less electricity saves water too!
Use Efficient Appliances: High-efficiency washing machines can help to reduce your monthly water bills. They use between 35 and 50 percent less water! So replace your washing machine if you have an old one.
Keep It On Cold: Avoid using hot water whenever possible. Hot water sets in stains and uses more energy. Use cold-water wash cycles when appropriate.
Choose a Front-Loader: Front-loading washing machines use two-thirds less water than top-loaders, reducing water and heating costs.
Skip the Extra Rinse: If you are using the correct amount of detergent for the selected load size and cycle, you don't need a second rinse.
Wear It Twice: It's okay to wear your clothes more than once. The best way to conserve water in the laundry room is to not do laundry.
Check for Leaks: Check your washer for leaks and drips often. Pay attention to the hose connections and other vulnerable spots.

Outdoor Tips

Water Wisely: To avoid excess evaporation, it's best to water outdoor plants in the early morning or evening when the sun isn't out and the temperature is lower.
Don't Cut it Too Short: Raise the mower blade to its highest level. Longer grass holds in more moisture and absorbs more sunlight.
Be Sprinkler Smart: Make sure your sprinkler is watering the plants only- not the street, house, or sidewalk!
Shut Off the Hose: Make sure your hose has a shutoff nozzle. Never leave a running hose unattended and check it often for leaks. When washing your car, bike, or boat use a bucket and sponge instead.
Use a Broom: It's best to use a broom rather than a hose to clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
Plant the Right Stuff: Plant according to your area's climate. Every time you water, this can save between 30 and 60 gallons per 1,000 square feet.
More Mulch: Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation from the soil. Mulch also keeps the soil cooler.
Cover It Up: If you have a pool, use a pool cover to reduce evaporation and heat loss. Check for repair leaks.
Keep Soil Healthy: Soil health can influence water retention and drainage. Healthy soil aids in water storage, decreases evaporation, and helps root growth.
Change it Up: Replace your lawn with drought-tolerant plants and trees.
Be On The Look Out: Avoid watering on windy days.

Determining if there is a leak:

Use your water meter to check for leaks. First, start by making sure that all water-using appliances are not being used, including automatic icemakers. If your meter has low flow indictor, it should not be moving. If it is, that means water is passing through the meter and that indicates there is a leak. Otherwise, note the meter reading on the dial and then check again after an hour. If the meter has moved, then you have some leaks and repairs should be made. Fixing leaks saves YOU money.

We hope you find these resources as helpful and interesting!

National Resources

http://www.awwa.org/
http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/
http://www.usgs.gov/water/

California Resources

http://saveourwater.com/
http://www.water.ca.gov/
http://www.acwa.com/
http://resources.ca.gov/
https://www.cnps.org/