Marine Mammals Need Healthy Watersheds
Learn About the Importance of Water Conservation and How You Can Help
Pollution from agricultural runoff, wastewater from sewage treatment, and urban stormwater contributes to harmful algal blooms, which release deadly toxins and are one of the biggest threats to California’s marine mammal populations.
That’s why water conservation is critical to the health of marine mammals and their ocean environment. The transformation of water-thirsty grassy areas to native or California Friendly® landscaping is a practical and impactful step toward water conservation and climate resilience.
Reducing water waste can alleviate stress on freshwater resources and limit the volume of polluted runoff entering the ocean. Switching to a drought-tolerant landscape saves a significant amount of water, reducing water bills and saving on the energy that would have been used to transport and treat the water.
Native plants that thrive in California’s climate create sustainable gardens by mitigating erosion and improving water retention in the ground. Plus, these landscapes provide habitats for local wildlife, fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental stressors.
You can help support our work to ensure a healthy ocean ecosystem by making a donation today.
Your everyday actions, including your water use at home, can have an impact on the health of our ocean and marine mammals. Check out these water-saving tips from the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, plus learn more about available rebates and other programs at www.ladwp.com/save
Replace Sprinkler Heads with High-Efficiency Nozzles
Water-efficient rotating “finger” stream spray nozzles reduce misting, runoff and evaporation compared to standard fan-spray nozzles. Saves 16 gallons per nozzle per week, or 128 gallons per week for a typical 8-sprinkler system.
Shorten Irrigation Times by Two Minutes per Station
Reducing your sprinkler cycles by just two minutes per station each watering day makes a big difference. Saves 80 gallons a week for a typical 8-sprinkler system.
Fix Leaks Around Your Home
The average household leak wastes 10,000 gallons of water per year, with leaks accounting for five percent of a home’s water usage. Look for unexplained increases in water use, soggy or overgrown areas, and erosion; and test for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. Saves 10,000 gallons of water per year.
Wash a Full Load of Laundry Instead of Two Half-Loads
Washing two half-loads of laundry uses twice as many gallons of water. Save even more with a high-efficiency washer. Saves 21 gallons per load.
Run a Full Dishwasher Load Instead of Handwashing
Handwashing your dishes with the water running uses more water than a full dishwasher load. Save even more with an efficient dishwasher, which not only saves water but also the gas or electricity used to heat it. Saves 15 gallons of water per dishwasher load.
Shorten Your Shower from 10 Minutes to 5 Minutes
Typical showerheads flow at a rate of 2 gallons of water per minute, so you’ll save water anytime you shorten your routine. Save even more with a water-saving showerhead. Saves 10 gallons of water per shower.
Turn Off the Water When You Brush Your Teeth
Typical bathroom faucets flow at a rate of 1.5 gallons of water a minute, so you’ll save water just by turning off the tap. Save even more with an aerator that regulates the flow of water. Saves 3 gallons every time you brush.
California Friendly® Landscaping: Learn how to transform your lawn to native or California Friendly® landscaping, a practical and impactful step toward water conservation and climate resilience.
Los Angeles Outdoor Landscaping Academy: Offers a variety of workshops to help Angelenos replace turf with California Friendly® landscape and improve irrigation efficiency.
My Water Insights Program: Helps customers better understand their water use through free home water reports and a user-friendly online portal.
Flume Smart Water Monitor: Benefit from exclusive savings on a Flume smart home water monitor to help you track your water use, catch household leaks, and more.
Free Water Conservation Items: Receive free water conservation items like showerheads and aerators.
Residential Recycled Water Fill Station Program: Provides access to free recycled water that can be used for landscaping and to water fruit, vegetable and herb gardens.
Water Conservation Rebate Program: Offers water conservation rebates for clothes washers, toilets, leak detection, turf replacement and landscape irrigation.
Reducing pollution and conserving water requires action from all of us. Your voice—in your community and at the polls—is your most powerful tool for making change.
You can help ensure a healthier ocean for marine mammals and humans alike by taking action in your everyday life.
Use Your Voice
Vote with the environment in mind. Discuss the importance of conservation and water-saving solutions with friends, neighbors and local leadership. Research candidates’ stances on the topic before heading to the polls.
Eat More Plants
Go meatless at least one day a week. Reducing meat intake lowers your carbon footprint and can help slow global warming.
Share the Shore
Give resting marine mammals space by maintaining a safe distance of at least 50 feet and keeping pets on a leash. Use the zoom on your camera rather than approaching for a selfie. Call 1-800-39-WHALE to report sick or injured animals.
