How to Conserve Water During a Drought

Nov 9, 2020

Break out your sweaters, everyone! It’s November, and the first storm of the fall season is bringing the San Diego area some much-needed rain! It’s the first time we’ve received measurable rain since June. However, despite this welcomed rain, we could be in for a drier than average winter, at least that’s what The Farmer’s Almanac believes.  More scientifically, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is also predicting a dry winter thanks to ongoing La Niña conditions. 

La Niña refers to the cooling of water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean off of South America, causing wind patterns and weather that affects the globe. For California, it means that there is a good chance of warmer-than-normal winter temperatures along with drier conditions. 

These conditions could worsen the ongoing drought in the state. Drought is already affecting California due to the weak Southwest summer monsoon season and record-breaking temperatures during the summer months. 2021 could develop into “the most widespread drought that we’ve seen since 2013” in California, according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center Deputy Mike Halpert. And this affects our water supply.

Even in non-drought years, much of California is either a desert or has an arid Mediterranean climate, so water is naturally scarce. 

Rising Water Costs

Water is expensive in California! Water in California must often be obtained from distant sources. Large infrastructure projects are necessary to transport water from one area of the state to another. Much of this infrastructure is aging and in need of repair, which is expensive. Drought often lowers water quality, so treatment costs go up. Due to the more prolonged droughts and warmer temperatures, some water districts need to purchase supplemental water because they can no longer rely on rain and groundwater reserves.  All of these things increase the cost of your water.

Water and the Environment

There is a limited amount of fresh water available for consumption during droughts, resulting in less water for agriculture and decreased water allotted for the river, wildlife, and fish restoration projects. 

What Can You Do to Conserve Water?

Water is our most important, commonly owned resource. Given limited water supplies, rising water costs, and an environment that needs protection, we should conserve as much water as possible. 

While most household water is used outdoors, there are ways to conserve water indoors, too! You may have already installed low flow showerheads and high-efficiency toilets. 

Changing your habits will make a big difference, too! Things like limiting shower time and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving can go a long way.

Tankless Water Heaters and Water Conservation

We’ve described how tankless water heaters are incredibly energy efficient in previous blogs because they do not have to keep a tank full of hot water hot. This saves you money on energy in the long run, as gas and electricity won’t be running 24/7 to maintain water temperature.

But how about conserving water? 

Indeed, tankless water heaters don’t provide “instant” hot water by themselves.  But you can have the best of both worlds by combining a whole house tankless water system with a demand type hot water circulating system. With a demand hot water system, you don’t run any water down the drain while you are waiting. This enables you to conserve energy, water, and money.  Best of all, you’ll save time because you’ll get your hot water faster!

Ready to talk about an excellent drought-conscious water system?  We can help! Contact Arnett’s Water Systems and let our experts assist you. Financing available on all our products.  Estimates are always free.