1% of potential reductions
San Rafael is no stranger to periodic droughts and the need to conserve water, and the community has responded by reducing per capita water use by about 25%, from 152 gallons per person per day (gpcd) in 2005 to 114 gpcd in 2016. In addition to installing low-flow fixtures (showerheads, faucets and toilets) and water-efficient appliances (clothes washers and dishwashers), residents and businesses are planting native, drought-tolerant species and even replacing lawns with attractive, low-water use gardens. Good thing, because as temperatures continue to rise, we will experience more droughts and more intense heat waves than before.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
1. Replace your lawn with a drought-tolerant garden.
- Master Gardener tips for replacing lawns
2. Install a drip irrigation system and check it regularly for leaks.
- Lawn and garden tips to reduce water
3. Install low water flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
- See these water saving tips
4. Buy water-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers when it’s time to replace them.
What is the City of San Rafael Going to Do to Help?
Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in residential and commercial buildings and landscaping.
- Work with Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) and other organizations to promote water conservation programs and incentives.
- Educate residents and businesses about local and State laws requiring retrofit of non-compliant plumbing fixtures during remodeling and at resale.
- Ensure all projects requiring building permits, plan check, or design review comply with State and MMWD regulations.
- Encourage the installation of greywater and rainwater collection systems and the use of recycled water where available through ordinance or engagement campaigns.
Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in municipal facilities and operations.
- Replace high water use plants and inefficient irrigation systems with water-efficient landscaping.
- Investigate synthetic turf that uses organic infill for ball fields and parks to reduce water, herbicide use, and maintenance costs, while increasing field use throughout the year.
- Replace inefficient plumbing fixtures with high-efficiency fixtures.
- Use recycled water as available and practicable.