SACRAMENTO CA – July 13, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Experts from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) are helping visitors to the California State Fair put a dent in the state’s historic drought, with water-saving tips for their homes and yards.
The Department’s award-winning “Californians Don’t Waste – Save Water in Your Home” exhibit in the Counties Building offers fairgoers hands-on demonstrations of simple ways to save water in their kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms. A companion outdoor garden exhibit in the State Fair’s Farm section offers equally simple tips to increase landscape irrigation efficiency, including how to keep shade-giving trees alive during drought.
The weather was cool as the gates to the 162nd California State Fair opened this morning, but the mercury is expected to climb to more typical State Fair readings before closing night on July 26. California’s drought continues in cool weather or hot, making the wise and sparing use of water more urgent every day.
California is under a statewide mandate to reduce water use by 25 percent, with some areas facing targets of up to 36 percent. In imposing restrictions, the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) empowered local agencies to fine property owners up to $500 a day for failure to comply with conservation goals.
“Never has there been a more critical time for all Californians to learn as many new ways as possible to conserve water at home, especially outside in the yard,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “Californians have done a good job in reducing their water use. However, with the state battling historic drought, we’re asking everyone to step it up to help California get through these hot summer months and beyond.”
The Water Board has called on all residents to further reduce their water use in the critical summer months, especially outdoors. Outdoor irrigation can account for up to 80 percent of residential water use in hotter climates.
DWR’s outdoor exhibit at the State Fair demonstrates various options that would help residents meet conservation demands and features a low-water garden maintained with a water-efficient irrigation system. New technology to reduce water use in landscaping is on display along with drought-tolerant plant ideas and tips for conserving water with compost and mulch.
DWR’s indoor exhibit shows visitors how to save water throughout the home. The exhibit is interactive, and DWR staff is available to explain the water-saving techniques.
Save Our Water, created by DWR in partnership with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), is a statewide program aimed at helping Californians reduce their everyday water use.
Additional tips, tools and inspiration to find new and creative ways to conserve may be found at Save Our Water’s website, available in both English and Spanish.
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California has been dealing with the effects of drought for four years. To learn about all the actions the state has taken to manage our water system and cope with the impacts of the drought, visit saveourwater.com.
Media Contacts:
Elizabeth Scott (916) 712-3904 (Mobile)
Information Officer
Ted Thomas (916) 653-9712
Information Officer
