Decrease your water use by increasing your drought tolerant landscaping!
We help in a wide variety of way to help save water. Including rebates, consulting, inspections, and more.
- Free Toilet Replacement
- Paid Turf Removal Program
- Irrigation Inspections
- Landscaping Rebates
Why is saving water important?
Water is the life of our planet, by saving water we help save the environment, our resources, and extra money in your pocket.
Why Save?
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Water Schedule
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water Index
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Schedule Your In Home Irrigation Inspection
WRASBC provides a no cost water irrigation inspection to all San Benito County Residents. This a great solution for anyone that wants to save water, money, and time. We will come to your home investigate any wasted water issues and propose a solution.
Learn more about water saving, water drought, and water irrigation all from your home.
Get ready to learn!
What People are Saying
See what our water saving fans are saying about WRASBC
FAQS
If you have lived in California for any length of time, you know droughts come and go. When droughts come, we all cut back on our water use. When droughts go, it’s easy to fall back into our water-wasting ways. But we can’t afford to do that this time around, and here’s why.
Growing Population
We have the same amount of water today as we did centuries ago, and yet, the state’s population continues to grow.
Delta in Trouble
Nearly two-thirds of Californians receive water transported through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and it’s in trouble. The network of waterways and levees that make up the Delta need significant investment, and even then, too little water flowing through the Delta could hurt sensitive ecosystems. Here in Hollister, approximately 60% of the urban water supply originates from this system.
Groundwater Sustainability
Groundwater is an important local resource. We need to reduce our use to ensure we don’t harm underground aquifers. Our groundwater basin also gets us through times of drought when there is little imported water. The Hollister Urban Area derives approximately 40% of its water supply from this resource.
Conservation isn’t difficult, but it is essential
The main thing to remember is to be efficient with your water use and don’t let any go to waste. The Water Resources Association of San Benito County has several programs and services to assist you with conserving this precious resource.
Did you know that landscape irrigation accounts for almost half of residential water use in San Benito County?
Use mulch. To reduce weeds, slow erosion, and reduce moisture loss through evaporation, apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch or compost over soil around plants.
Use a licensed irrigation contractor when installing a landscape irrigation system. The layout and spacing of the sprinkler heads determines the system’s uniformity of application and overall efficiency. With a well-designed system, you will use less water and have fewer brown spots on your lawn.
Limit turf areas. A lawn requires more irrigation than almost any other landscape feature. Limit its size to just what you need. Consider replacing at least part of your lawn with a deck, paving, or lower water-use plants. Avoid narrow strips of lawn (along sidewalks, for example) because they cannot be irrigated efficiently. And consider using drip or micro-spray for borders and non-turf areas. There are many books at the the Hollister and San Juan Bautista libraries on this and related subjects.
Change your irrigation timer with the seasons. Did you know that your landscaping needs different amounts of water during spring, summer, and fall? For example, in April, your landscaping will only need about half the water it uses in July. And many types of landscaping require no irrigation during the winter months. A free residential water survey can help you set up a seasonal watering schedule.
Practice Smart Watering. Knowing when and how long to water can save you thousands of gallons per year. How do I know when my landscaping needs water? Grass needs to be watered when footprints remain after someone walks on it. Watering in the early morning is best because less is lost to evaporation. In the summer, grass should be watered 2-3 times per week. Shrubs, on the other hand, do well when watered once a week, or less. Large shrubs and trees prefer deep, infrequent watering.
How much Water? When a landscape needs water, enough should be applied to wet the soil as deep as the plants roots extend. For grass, this is about 6 inches below the surface. The type of soil has a great deal to do with how much water is needed. Soil types in San Benito County tend to be clay. Because clay soils absorb water slowly, the rate of flow coming out of the sprinkler should be as low as possible, so that water is absorbed and does not pool or become lost as runoff. If you see water running onto the sidewalk, into the gutter, or pooling in low areas, runoff is occurring. If runoff is still a problem after the rate of flow has been adjusted, consider watering for shorter periods of time. If you want to know more about smart watering, call us or email us at snovack@sbcwd.com and we will send you an information packet.
Replace old toilets with a new, water-conserving models; did you know that you can save thousands of gallons of water a year with this one simple change
Make sure showerheads and faucets are water efficient; the Water Conservation Department offers FREE home water checkups and water conservation kits.
Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full
Consider replacing old washing machines with water and energy-conserving front-loading models- save up to 50% on water and electricity costs.
Check toilets regularly for leaks. Put a drop or two of food coloring in your toilet tank at night before you go to sleep. If the water in the bowl is colored in the morning chances are you have a bad toilet flapper. The WRASBC has FREE toilet flappers. Or we’ll do it for you FREE of charge!
Repair drips and leaks promptly
Develop water-conscious habits when showering, shaving, brushing teeth, and washing dishes
Free toilets are for replacement of toilets older than 1992. Each toilet replaced will save THOUSANDS of gallons of water each year. Manufacture dates are sometimes stamped inside the tank or under the tank lid. Call 637-4378 if you need help determining the age of your toilets.
Bring a copy of a recent water bill. You must also bring an ID with an address that matches the water bill or some other document that shows you live there or own the property.
You must install the toilet within 45 days of receiving it and deliver the old toilets to the San Benito County Water District at 30 Mansfield Rd., or other designated location, or be billed for the cost of the toilet on your next water bill.
Limit 2 free toilets per residence.
Model = Ferguson Plumbing Supply, “Pro-Flow” toilet : a good quality, plain white, round-front, gravity-type toilet.
It is the responsibility of renters to get the permission of the property owner prior to installation.
Water Resources Association will provide all the parts necessary for a standard installation: seat, bolts, and wax ring.
Things to Check Before You Pick Up Your New Toilet
Are the toilets that you want to replace older than 1992? If not, then you are not eligible.
Make sure to bring your household’s water bill and your identification
Be prepared to deliver the old toilet(s) to us for recycling. If you do not return the old toilets to us, your utility will bill you $125.00 for the price of the toilet. Thank you for your interest in saving water…
We look forward to seeing you at the Toilet Giveaway!