Southern California is known for its arid climate and frequent droughts, which can lead to water shortages and restrictions. It is important to conserve water at home to help reduce the impact of these droughts. I thought it was a good idea to explore a few simple ways to save water at home during a drought in Southern California.

Conserving doesn’t mean not using. While agriculture in California uses the most water in the state (roughly 80%), households’ businesses and governments consume the other 20% for irrigation, production, and operation. Not quite a drop in the bucket, but given every drop comes at a cost, saving at home can save money while doing good for the environment. 

One of the easiest ways to conserve water at home is to capture it when it falls freely from the sky.

Collecting and Storing Rainwater

Rainwater harvesting is an effective way to conserve water at home during a drought. Rainwater can be collected from the roof of your home or garage and stored in a rain barrel or cistern. This collected water can be used for irrigation or other non-potable uses, such as washing cars or pets. It’s not recommended for watering animals or pets because it may contain urban pollutants. You can use your collected rainwater in a water can move around the garden which can be effective when used on potted and in-ground plants.

To collect rainwater from the gutters on your roof, simply modify your existing downspouts with a kit or a professional to redirect the downspout into your barrel. Rain barrels can be purchased from hardware or garden stores, or you can make your own using a food-grade barrel and some basic plumbing supplies. Some cities and counties offer free rain barrels, usually during an environmental push when drought conditions start to look on the horizon.

Read: Starting a Native Plant Garden in Southern California Hardiness Zone 10

When choosing a location for your rain barrel, place it near a downspout and on a stable surface. To prevent mosquito breeding, be sure the barrel is covered and has a tight-fitting lid. Using a screen can help keep mosquitos and other pests from getting into the water and causing any issues. 

Using Drip Irrigation and Grey Water

Drip irrigation is an efficient way to water plants and reduce water waste.

Instead of spraying water over a wide area, drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of plants, where it is needed most. Drip systems can be purchased from hardware or garden stores. Drip irrigation systems have a low entry cost and are relatively easy to install. Broadly, the setup requires knowing what you want to water and how much water you want to put onto it.

Read: Desalination in Southern California: Balancing Water Supply, Ecosystem, and Economy

Greywater comes from household activities like laundry, dishwashing, and bathing. Greywater can be used for irrigation if properly managed, specifically by using biodegradable soap products that are safe for the environment. Dr. Bronner’s Castille soap is a great option, as are Oasis and Ecos laundry soaps. To use greywater for irrigation, install a separate plumbing system to divert the greywater from the waste line and into a separate system to irrigate your plants. This may be a big lift for a homeowner, but there are organizations such as Greywater Action and Greywater Corps in Los Angeles that help homeowners install systems of their own. It’s important to be aware of and follow all local regulations and guidelines when installing and using greywater systems.

Mulching is another excellent tactic for making drip irrigation and greywater harvesting work well together. 

Removing (Killing) Your Lawn

Another drought saver is removing your green grass lawns and replacing them with drought-tolerant and/or native plants. This can be a big step in conserving water and reducing the need for irrigation.

Drought-tolerant plants are adapted to dry conditions and require less water than traditional landscaping plants. Native plants are well-suited to the local climate and require little to no additional water once established. Both types of plants can add color and interest to your landscaping while reducing water use.

Read: Drought Tolerant vs. Native Plants

Native plants can be a big help by providing habitat islands for birds and bugs in your neighborhood. With more green grass lawns and pervasive rock lawns, installing a native garden is an excellent way to save water and help the local wildlife survive and thrive in your neighborhood.

Making Your Home Water-Wise

Conserving water at home during a drought in Southern California is necessary in helping to reduce the impact of water shortages and restrictions. Making your home water-wise by collecting and storing rainwater, using drip irrigation and greywater, and replacing green grass lawns with drought-tolerant and native plants are all simple ways to conserve water at home. By implementing these practices, we can all do our part to help preserve this valuable resource.