When the Hetch Hetchy Water System began delivering water from the Sierra Nevada mountains into San Francisco, the population of San Francisco was 350,000 people. Today San Francisco's population is 768,000 and it is the second densest city in the nation. Yet, we rely on the same basic water system. To ensure that we will have enough water for our future, we need to use our water wisely.

stop the thief in your toilet Approximately 95% of the leaks found in a home are found in the toilet. There are two types of leaks, a high water level leak and a leak at the flapper/flush ball. Inside a toilet there is a long open tube that stands almost in the middle of the toilet's tank. This is called an overflow pipe or line. When the water level in a toilet's tank gets too high, the water goes down the overflow pipe and into the sewer. To avoid water flowing needlessly into the overflow line, adjust the water level in the tank by lowering the toilet's float arm. The flapper is the ball or cone that covers the hole between the tank and the bowl. To see if there is a leak at the flapper, place a couple drops of food dye into the tank. Wait five minutes without flushing. If color leaks into the bowl, you then need to replace the flapper and/or the ring or seal around the hole. You can save an average of 15 gallons of water by taking three minute showers. Or employ the Navy method of taking a shower. Rinse your body with water and turn your shower off while you soap up. By taking shorter or Navy showers, you can also save money on your energy bill!   european style that saves you money In San Francisco, the average toilet uses 3.5-5 gallons per flush.Thousands of families in the City found that they can save on their water and sewer bill by installing an ultra-low flow toilet that uses 1.6 gallons per flush. The average family of three people can save 34 gallons of water per day and $120 on their yearly water and sewer bill. Twice a year, the San Francisco water department also offers a rebate of $30 per toilet when you install a 1.6 gallon toilet in your home or apartment building. But you need to apply before you buy your toilet. Call (415) 923-2676 for more details.   stop the sound of running water When washing dishes by hand, don't let the tap water run freely to rinse. Fill a tub or the second side of the sink and use it to rinse your dishes. Do you really enjoy a glass of SFWD's water? Then fill a pitcher with drinking water and store it in the refrigerator. You can then enjoy a cold glass of water without having to run the tap until cold water emerges from the faucet. Don't let water run down the drain while you brush your teeth. Rinse your toothbrush and then turn off your faucet. After you have finished brushing your teeth,turn the tap back on to the clean the sink and your toothbrush.   put your landscape on a diet Check your irrigation system to make sure that you are not accidentally watering your street or sidewalk. Irrigate your landscape before 9am to avoid evaporation. Don't water on windy days. Group plants with similar water needs together. If your heart is set on having some water-loving plants in your garden, plant them near a downspout or at the lowest spot in the landscape. This way, they can get the extra water that they need-naturally. To help reduce your plants' water needs, use a layer of mulch around your plants to reduce evaporation and to encourage plant growth. Your turf is tougher than it looks. Wait to water your lawn until it begins to wilt or turn bluish-gray. For more water-efficient, yet beautiful plants, contact the San Francisco Water Department's Conservation Section at (415)923-2571.