Conserve water

The City of Concord had already instituted many measures to conserve water such as the installation of flow restrictors and water-saving fixtures and appliances when, in 2009, Contra Costa Water District imposed another 15% reduction for all City facilities. The Public Works instituted a program of employee education and public outreach that helped Concord save even more water than the 15% mandated.

The Water District also required a 45% reduction in landscape irrigation. Changes in irrigation schedules were made for all the parks and medians not on well water including Boatwright Sports Complex, Highlands Park, Concord Community Park, Markham Nature Park, Galindo House and Gardens, Sun Terrace Park, Ellis Lake, Concord Skate Park, Len Hester Park and all street medians. Parks crews added mulch to street medians and tracked water use very carefully to get the most out of every drop. The central irrigation system was upgraded to receive daily weather data which then automatically adjusted irrigation schedules according to changes in weather conditions.

This presentation describing all the City efforts was televised live to all Concord residents and businesses on July 27, 2009.

During the summer months, water usage is at its peak with homeowners watering lawns and doing yard work. Residents should make every effort to conserve water. Below are water conservation measures to undertake that will conserve our water supply and lower your water utility bill.

• Deep soak your lawn. Water infrequently, but thoroughly so that moisture soaks down to the roots, about four to six inches. This encourages deeper, healthier root systems and allows the lawn to go without water for a longer time.
• Water during the cool of the day - late evening or early morning. This helps reduce the amount of water that might be wasted through evaporation.
• Weeds are water thieves and will rob your plants of water and nutrients. Try to keep your lawn and garden weed-free.
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting and mow more frequently Longer grass blades provide shade and help hold moisture in longer.
• Position sprinklers so water does not land in the gutters or on any paved roads.
• Use a broom, not a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets, and couplings. Leak can waste a lot of water.