Water conservation isn’t just good for the environment in Southwest Riverside County — it’s good for your wallet. With water rates among the highest in California and persistent drought conditions, smart water use can save the typical Riverside County household $200-$500 per year. Here are 10 practical tips from Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc.

1. Fix Leaks Immediately

A single dripping faucet wastes 3,000+ gallons per year. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. These aren’t just wasteful — they’re expensive. Call Davis Plumbing to repair leaks promptly. Many homeowners are shocked by how much leaks contribute to their bills.

2. Install WaterSense Fixtures

WaterSense-certified toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush (vs. 3.5 GPF for pre-1994 toilets). WaterSense showerheads use 2.0 GPM or less (vs. 2.5+ for standard). WaterSense faucets use 1.5 GPM (vs. 2.2 for standard). Davis Plumbing installs these fixtures throughout Riverside County.

3. Get a Water Softener

Counterintuitively, a water softener saves water. Hard water requires more soap, detergent, and rinse cycles in the dishwasher and washing machine. Soft water lathers better and requires less detergent — potentially reducing laundry water usage by 10-15 rinse cycles per year.

4. Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes

When you run the hot water, you’re waiting for the cold water in the pipes to be purged before hot water arrives. In the meantime, all that cold water goes down the drain. Pipe insulation slows heat loss, so hot water arrives faster and less is wasted waiting.

5. Consider a Tankless Water Heater

Instant hot water at every tap with a recirculating tankless system (like Navien’s built-in recirculation pump) means zero cold water purge — hot water arrives in seconds and none is wasted running down the drain while waiting.

6. Only Run Full Loads

Dishwashers and washing machines use the same amount of water regardless of load size. Running only full loads can reduce your laundry water usage by 50% or more.

7. Water Landscaping in the Early Morning

Watering between 5-9 AM reduces evaporation compared to midday irrigation. On hot summer days, midday evaporation can lose 30-40% of applied water before it even reaches the roots.

8. Fix Your Irrigation System

Broken sprinkler heads, misaimed heads, and irrigation running during or after rain are massive water wasters. An annual irrigation audit can identify and correct problems quickly.

9. Check for Hidden Leaks

Turn off all water use and check your water meter. If the meter is moving, you have a hidden leak — in a toilet, under a slab, or in an irrigation line. Davis Plumbing can find and fix these leaks fast.

10. Know Your Utility’s Rebate Programs

EVMWD, RCWD, and Elsinore Valley MWD all offer rebates for high-efficiency toilets, water softeners, and drip irrigation. Check your utility’s website or ask Davis Plumbing — we help customers identify available rebates whenever possible.

Start Saving Water Today

Davis Plumbing and Heating can help you implement these water-saving strategies throughout your Riverside County home. Call (951) 657-0393 or contact us online.