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Water Conservation
Water is a precious and limited resource, especially in drought-prone California. Water conservation and the efficient use of water is the most environmentally sound way to protect our water. Using less water protects our water supply for future generations. We offer free water-saving devices and rebates to help customers save water indoors and outdoors.
- Emergency Regulations
- Conservation Products
- Conservation Tips
- Rebate Program
- Water-Efficient Landscaping
Drought Water Conservation Emergency Regulation
The State Water Board finds that an emergency exists due to severe drought conditions and that adoption of emergency regulations is necessary. Governor Newsom proclaimed a drought state of emergency for all counties in California, culminating, to date, with his October 19, 2021 proclamation, urging Californians to step up their water conservation efforts.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) declared a Water Shortage Emergency in November 2021. The action calls for a 10% reduction in water use across our regional system.
Immediate action is needed to ensure all Californians are taking sufficient actions to conserve water and preserve the State’s water supply. Daly City needs your help and we ask everyone to continue to use water wisely. For more Water Conservation information, please visit our webpage.
State Emergency Regulation Requirements
- Turn off decorative water fountains
- Turn off/pause your irrigation system when it's raining and for two days after rain
- Use an automatic shutoff nozzle on your water hose
- Use a broom, not water, to clean sidewalks and driveways
- Give trees just what they need: avoid overwatering
- Visit the State Water Board website for additional documentation/information
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
- Tips, Requirements and Publications
- Save Water Outdoors
- Water Waste and Fixing Leaks
- Visit the SFPUC website for additional documentation/information
- Or visit the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) for additional documentation/information
Water Conservation Order Form
Residential
- Fix leaks, including leaky toilets
- Install high-efficiency toilets, aerators on bathroom faucets, and water-efficient shower heads
- Take shorter (5 minute) showers
- Don't let the tap, shower, or bath run excessively
- Track your water bill and meter to curtail water use
- Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving
- Use dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only
Outdoor
- Plant drought-tolerant/resistant plants and trees
- Recycle indoor water to use on plants
- Refrain from watering your home landscape when it rains
- Replace your grass/turf with water-wise plants
- Use a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of water from a hose
- Water your outdoor landscape earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler
- Prevent irrigation overspray onto hardscapes
Commercial
- Educate employees and visitors about conserving water - place signs encouraging conservation in public and employee areas.
- If you hear a toilet running or see a leak, repair or report it to maintenance.
- Replace inefficient toilets, urinals, washing machines and other equipment.
- Install water-efficient showerheads and aerators
- Be mindful of water use when cleaning facilities.
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean sidewalks.
- Prevent irrigation overspray onto hardscapes
- Turn off the tap when soaping hands.
- Serve customers tap water only upon request.
RAIN BARRELS
In partnership with the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program (a program of the City/County Association of governments of San Mateo County) and BAWSCA (Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency), we are offering rebates of up to $200 for the purchase and installation of qualifying rain barrels.
For the fastest rebate, APPLY ONLINE. You will need your water account number in order to register for an online account and submit your application.
Program Information
Make your garden beautiful and more water efficient. Transform your current landscaping to the garden you want and use water more efficiently. Re-landscaping a yard requires planning and preparation. Before turf is removed, initial steps include:
- Assessing your current irrigation system and identifying needed modification
- Finding the plants that work best in your climate
- Characterizing your soil
- Assessing sun conditions in your yard
One of the key resources for selecting plants is the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) database, which lists plants for your region based on plant water needs.
Sign up for FREE water-wise landscaping classes offered by the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA).
- To view a list of classes and to register online, visit BAWCA Landscape Classes. Registration is required to attend.
- To register by phone: 650-349-3000
- To register by email: landscape@bawsca.org
- Registration for Millbrae class only, call 650-259-2348
- For Bay-Friendly Workshops: go to RescapeCA.org or call 510-444-SOIL
- View videos of past landscape classes
Landscape and Plant Guidance Resources:
- Water efficient landscapes
- Easy water-wise gardening
- Landscaping 101
- Water-smart landscapes
- Center for landscape & urban horticulture
- Water smart gardening
- Sustainable landscaping in California
- Garden of the week
- California Native Plant Society
- Landscape Drought Toolkit
- Invasive garden plants
- It’s aphid season
- The new front yard
- ReScape Resources & Tools