What Can you do?

There are many things you can do to help conserve and protect our water! These are just a few ideas, it is by no means a comprehensive list. If you read this and want more tips go here. You can also look at our local water districts ( Santa Cruz or Soquel Water District) for more information.

Easy and Inexpensive things you can do

Go to http://www.h2ouse.org/ to figure out how much water you do use. Then look at some of the tips on how you can reduce your water use.

Buy a low flow showerhead at the hardware store. You can buy low flow that isn't low pressure.

Volunteer at CWC!

Help out at another local organization. Look at our resource section for ideas!

Think about using a rain barrel in your yard. They're cheap and help to save you money!

Don't wash your car in the driveway. The water goes down the storm drain along with all the soap, oil, and dirt on your car. Instead, wash it on grass or at a car wash.

Landscape without pesticides and herbicides. If they aren't in your yard to begin with, it can't go into the creek. The Organic Gardening magazine has lots of good advice.

Properly dispose of hazardous materials. The city of Santa Cruz provides a list of places you can drop off here

Please dispose of animal waste properly. Waste can contain pathogens that will affect other animals.

Be mindful of your car. Clean up brake fluid, oil, grease, and antifreeze. Make sure your car doesn't leak oil.

For a little more money

For a lot more money

Check out the City of Santa Cruz Rebate Programs to see if you can't reduce your water use! Santa Cruz has both commercial and residential rebate programs on efficient washers and toilets. PG&E also has a rebate program for washers.

Use landscaping to catch urban runoff. You can create rain gardens and filter strips. See for more information how

If you're are putting in a new roof think about making it green. They cost about a third more than a conventional roof but they last 2-3 times longer.