1. Sustainability
  2. Initiatives
  3. Water Conservation

Water Conservation

Drought is here - it's time to conserve

We're in a historic drought, and climate change is making them more prevalent.  With reservoirs at historic lows, it's time for all of us to revisit our water use and find ways to conserve even more to help preserve our water supply. Mayor Kate has signed on to the annual Wyland National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation. Read below for more on how you can help. Let’s all do our part and conserve!

Flume installation with Mayor Kate and Councilmember Hill

Take the Water Conservation Pledge

San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin signed up for the Mayor's Water Conservation Challenge. Residents in participating cities not only learn simple tips to conserve water, but are eligible for hundreds of prizes.

Learn more and take the Pledge here. It only takes a few minutes and every person makes a difference.

Take Advantage of of MMWD Rebates and Resources

MMWD is offering rebates for the most impactful actions you can take: replacing your lawn, rain barrels, and installing Laundry to Landscape graywater systems (check them out - very cool!). They even have rebates for restaurants and food service facilities. You can even get a free Water Conservation phone consultation.

Laundry to Landscape: The Next Frontier

We use water every day. What if we could re-use what we use and keep our plants healthy too? Check out the County's Graywater Program and see if it works for you. MMWD has rebates to help!

Check for Toilet Leaks - and Learn How to Fix Them Yourself

Did you know that leaky toilets are the biggest indoor waster of water and that often people don't even know they have a leak? Some leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per day! Check out this cool resource we developed during the last drought for checking for leaks and fixing them yourself. It's a simple DIY home project that you can feel really proud about doing yourself! Click the image below to download the Guidebook.

Fix a Leak Guidebook Image

What is the City Doing to Conserve?

The City of San Rafael is also pursuing a variety of water conservation measures to reduce water usage by 40% and will add more to the list as necessary:

  1. City fleet vehicles will be washed at a minimum.
  2. All irrigation of turf areas in our parks and sports fields and in most of our non-recycled water landscaped areas  will be reduced to the bare minimum and only watered between 7pm and 9am.
  3. Irrigation lines will be inspected, and leaks will be repaired as discovered.
  4. The use of recycled water from Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District will be increased.
  5. Hydrant filling will be done with recycled water.
  6. Sanitation District will use recycled water for all pipe maintenance and flushing.
  7. Hosing down of hard surfaces for cleaning will be eliminated.
  8. Low flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets are in use at all of our facilities and will be maintained or replaced as necessary.
  9. Where applicable, shower times will be minimized by employees and by the public in City facilities.
  10. Conservation reminder signs will be posted above kitchen and bathroom sinks to remind employees to be conscious of water usage.
  11. Where applicable, dishwashers will be operated only with a full load.
  12. Pool covers will be in use to minimize water evaporation.

To learn more about MMWD’s water restrictions, visit here https://www.marinwater.org/waterrules

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