By Jennifer Gilbert

With low groundwater levels and the worst drought California has seen, the city of Davis is committed to working with the community to save water.

The city has launched SaveDavisWater.org, a website that provides conservation tips, rebates, workshop information and more. The city encourages residents to share photos of creative conservation ideas and techniques. Pictures sent to info@SaveDavisWater.org may be featured on the website.

The city is partnering with the Yolo County Master Gardeners on a series of water efficiency workshops. The first will be Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. at the Central Park Gardens near Third and B streets in Davis. The Master Gardeners and Tree Davis representatives will discuss installing and maintaining existing smart irrigation, cost-effective ways to lower water use, drought-tolerant landscapes and caring for trees during a drought.

Space is limited, so RSVP with your name and the number of attendees to info@SaveDavisWater.org by Sept. 17.

To help residents monitor their water consumption, the city has partnered with WaterInsight. It provides each customer with simple, easy-to-understand consumption information and personalized water-saving actions based on their household’s unique profile. Learn more and sign up at Davis.WaterInsight.com.

Water conservation is a cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. Using water carefully is always important. For most single-family residential customers, focusing on outdoor water use can result in easy water savings. About 60 to 70 percent of the water consumed during the summer months is used for landscape irrigation.

Inside the home, the most reliable way to reduce water use is to make sure you have water-efficient appliances. Replacing toilets and clothes washers with more efficient models and using lower-flow showerheads (2 gallons per minute or less) will reduce your overall water use year-round. Also, make sure all your leaks are fixed and that lawns and gardens are not overwatered.

For questions or to schedule a leak check or water use evaluation, call 530-757-5686 or email WaterSmart@CityofDavis.org