Water efficiency solutions for smaller rural water systems and private domestic groundwater users

Many rural areas in California rely heavily on groundwater. These communities are often more vulnerable to drought due to limited infrastructure and financial resources. Groundwater contamination (e.g., nitrates, arsenic) is a significant concern for rural users, necessitating both quantity and quality management. Here are some water efficiency solutions for smaller rural water systems and private domestic groundwater users:

A water timer
Using mulch on soil surface saves 30 gallons per 1,000 square feet each time you water
Installing a smart controller saves 100-150 gallons per day
Installing drop-irrigation saves 15 gallons each time you water
Repairing damaged sprinklers and drip emitters saves 20 gallons per day per leak
Checking the soil before watering saves 80 gallons per day
Fixing household leaks saves 30-50 gallons per day
Adjusting sprinklers to water plants, not a driveway, saves 40 gallons each time you water
Installing high-efficiency sprinklers saves 8 gallons per 1,000 square feet per day

Efficient Irrigation Practices

  • Smart Irrigation Controllers: These devices adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant needs, minimizing waste.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Collect rainwater for landscape irrigation. Simple systems like rain barrels or more complex systems with underground cisterns can be implemented.
  • Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect irrigation systems for leaks, which can waste significant amounts of water.

Indoor Water Conservation

  • Low-Flow Fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to reduce indoor water usage.
  • Water-Efficient Appliances: Use ENERGY STAR-rated washing machines and dishwashers, which use less water and energy.
  • Behavioral Changes: Take shorter showers, turn off taps while brushing teeth, and only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.

Water Reuse and Recycling

  • Greywater Systems: Implement greywater systems to reuse water from sinks, showers, and laundry for landscape irrigation.
  • Recycled Water for Irrigation: Where possible, use treated wastewater for landscape irrigation, especially for common areas in the community.

Monitoring and Feedback

  • Approximate how much water you use at home. The Water Calculator estimates household water use and compares your home to both a typical household and an efficient household in your zip/postal code.
  • Install smart meters to monitor water usage in real time, allowing residents to monitor and adjust their water consumption.

Well Operation

  • Well Management: Regularly inspect and maintain wells to ensure efficiency and safety. Install well meters to monitor usage and detect leaks. For small water systems (5-14 connections) and wells that extract more than 2 acre-feet per year, reporting groundwater pumping will be required as part of the Groundwater Monitoring Program, a collaboration between the SVBGSA and the Monterey County Water Resources Agency.
  • Water Testing Programs: Regularly test groundwater for contaminants and ensure that treatment systems are in place where needed.
  • Wellhead Protection: Implement wellhead protection measures, such as restricting activities that could contaminate groundwater near wells.
  • Point-of-Use Treatment Systems: Use point-of-use water treatment systems, such as reverse osmosis filters, to ensure safe drinking water at the tap.