There is currently acute water supply shortfalls and extremely warm temperatures in Northern and Central California. Plumas County is included in the State’s drought emergency declaration. All of us need to find every opportunity to save water where we can, individually and as a community. The following list from Ready.gov offers some ideas for actions to take during drought times.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips
During a Drought

BATHROOM

• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily.

• Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

• Take short showers instead of baths.

• Turn on the water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.

• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.

• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.

KITCHEN

• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded.

• Use the "light wash" feature to use less water.

• Hand wash dishes by filling two containers—one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.

• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.Store drinking water in the refrigerator.

• Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.

• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot.

• Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.

• Don't rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, just scrape to remove particles of food.

• Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods.

• Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

LAUNDRY

• Operate clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
During a Drought

CAR WASHING

• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

• If you wash your own car, use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.

LAWN CARE

• Avoid over watering your lawn and water only when needed.

• If your lawn does require watering, do so early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.

• Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered.

• Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff.

• Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway and walkways.

• Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.In extreme drought, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs.