How to Conserve Water
Even in non-drought years it is important to conserve water. Capitola is served by the Soquel Creek Water District (link is external) and the City of Santa Cruz Water District (link is external) which has been in a water shortage and groundwater emergency since 2014 due to our community’s long-term groundwater shortage compounded by the current drought. Our groundwater supply is in overdraft and seawater intrusion is being detected at our coastline. It is important that you take every measure to save water in our community.
Here are some general rules of water conservation:
- No general water waste: Indiscriminate running of water or washing in a manner that is wasteful and without reasonable purpose is
- No irrigation run-off: Adjust irrigation systems to prevent overspray and run-off.
- No sprinkler use between 10 am and 8 pm: Only watering mornings or evenings reduces water loss from evaporation and wind.
- No hosing down of hard or paved surface except when necessary for health and safety. Positive shut-off nozzle is required.
- Always use a positive shut-off hose nozzle for outdoor water use (free hose nozzles are available to District customers).
- Always repair irrigation system and plumbing leaks within 72 hours.
- No watering during rainfall or for 48 hours following measurable rainfall.
The Soquel Creek Water District provides free water wise house calls (link is external) for homes and businesses to help you find ways you can conserve. They also provide generous rebates (link is external), specifically for outdoors, you can apply for rebates for turf replacement (link is external), flow-sensing shut off devices (link is external), graywater systems (link is external), rain barrels (link is external), and more. The City of Santa Cruz also has a water conservation department (link is external) with good information and rebates.
100+ ways to conserve water (link is external)
