What is considered efficient water use?

Home water use varies based on the number of occupants, habits, and the efficiency level of water using fixtures installed. Home water use also fluctuates seasonally based on the size and type of irrigated landscape, with outdoor use accounting for about 40 percent of total water use on average for single-family residences in Santa Rosa from May through October. To determine how efficient your water use is, check your water bill.  Every bill provides information on the gallons per person per day used during the billing period. 

Indoor water use can typically be met using no more than 50 gallons per person per day, with more efficient homes using as little as 25-30 gallons per person per day.  For a family of four, average indoor use ranges from around 3,000 gallons to 6,000 gallons per month. Even if you aren’t sure about your usage per day, you can help us achieve our critical goal of reducing water use community-wide by 20%. Please visit our Water Smart Center at srcity.org/WaterSmart for a list of tips and rebates to help you eliminate water waste, reduce water use, and improve water use efficiency.  

Water for landscapes can nearly double indoor water use from May to October. We offer weather-based watering recommendations and can complete a Water Smart outdoor assessment to help you irrigate more efficiently. We also offer rebates for some irrigation system improvements and for converting turf grass to low water use landscaping. Contact a WaterSmart technician at [email protected] or call 707-543-3985 before starting a project to make sure it meets requirements to be eligible for a rebate.

Show All Answers

1. What does a 20% mandatory reduction in water use mean?
2. What is the 20% reduction target timeline compared to?
3. Why do we continue to allow new building and development during a water shortage?
4. Does the City of Santa Rosa provide water to wineries and other agricultural interests?
5. How do I request an exemption or variance from a water use prohibition or restriction?
6. How is the City of Santa Rosa responding to the regional drought emergency?
7. How do I cut back my water use if I'm already efficient with my water use?
8. What is considered efficient water use?
9. How can I figure out how much water I use?
10. Is the City of Santa Rosa enforcing any water use prohibitions?
11. How does the City enforce the prohibition on water waste?
12. How do I report water waste?
13. Is washing cars at home allowed?
14. How will my water bill be affected by the drought?
15. What resources are available to help me reduce my water use?
16. What will happen if we do not get rain this coming winter?
17. How are other cities affected by the current drought?
18. Where can I find additional information?