Homeowners

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Public Utilities

Homeowners

Below is a list of conservation programs for homeowners including the relevant contact information.

Check for leaks
If your water bill is unusually high, or if you suspect you have a water leak, call the Water & Sewer Utilities for a leak check appointment. A technician will help you identify leaking toilets, pipes and fixtures. For more information or to set up an appointment call (408) 615-2000.

Faucet Aerators
Faucet aerators (the part with the screen) are easy to install and help save water. Free aerators (limited to two per household) are available at the Water & Sewer Utilities office in City Hall during normal business hours.

Showerheads
Low-flow showerheads are easy to install and help conserve water, and they are free (limited to two per household) to Santa Clara residents with showerheads using more than 2.5 gallons per minute. The showerheads can be obtained at the Water & Sewer Utilities office in City Hall during normal business hours. You may need to purchase an inexpensive adapter to install the showerhead.

Toilet Leak Detection Tablets
Leaking toilets account for the majority of higher-than-normal water bills. To check your toilets for leaks, get free, non-toxic, detector tablets from the Water & Sewer Utilities. You can pick some up from the office in City Hall during normal business hours or have them mailed to you by calling 615-2000.

Washing Machine Rebate Program
If you purchase a qualified, energy-efficient, tumble-action clothes washer after July 1, 2006, you can receive a rebate of $100.00-150.00 from the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), and the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant. You must apply for a rebate within 30 days of installation. For more information, call the SCVWD at (408) 265-2607 ext. 2554 or visit their website.

Water-Wise House Calls
For more information, see Water-Wise House Calls.

Publications
The City of Santa Clara offers a number of free publications to help you conserve water. One of those publications is a SUNSET Magazine reprint, "How to Water Your Garden." To request these FREE booklets, please contact the City of Santa Clara at (408) 615-2014 or stop by the office to pick one up and look at our other conservation literature. More Resources For more on water efficient gardening and gardening with native plants try these on line resources.
Calflora California Native Plant Society California Office of Water Use Efficiency Native Plants for a California Garden
Conservation Tips Water Conservation Tips
Indoor
Consider a re-circulating hot water system Install on-demand hot water dispenser Install low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators Water garden and lawn early in the morning rather than mid-day Fix leaky toilets and fixtures as soon as they are detected Take quick showers rather than full-tub baths Don’t let the water run when brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving Run your dishwasher only with full loads and only full loads whenever possible Stopper the sink when rinsing fruits and vegetables Install a high-efficiency clothes washer-can save up to 30% on water and 50% on energy When cleaning fish tanks, use the dirty water to water your houseplants – it’s rich in nitrogen and phosphorus!
Outdoor
When washing cars, use a trigger nozzle that automatically turns off Select correct water level for laundry loads Don’t water when it’s windy Sweep rather than hose off sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways Position sprinklers so that they are not spraying the house, sidewalk or street Use drought-tolerant plants in the garden Water only in the morning and evenings Turn your irrigation system off on rainy days Use mulch around plantings to hold in moisture Consider using drip irrigation for trees and shrubs Know where your master water shut-off valve is located and show everyone in the household Cover swimming pools when not in use. An average sized pool can loose approx. 1,000 gallons of water per month when left uncovered

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Conservation Programs How to conserve water in the garden Small Business & Multi-Family Residential Property Owners & Managers Large Businesses, Commercial, Industrial, & Institutional Sites