In early August, Golden State Water Company (GSWC) launched its #H2OMakeover contest to promote responsible water use by encouraging customers to share their water-saving tips. Customers submitted written tips, photos or videos by email or on Twitter using the hashtag #H2OMakeover.
In an online poll at www.gswater.com, all GSWC customers had the opportunity to cast their votes from the five most creative tips selected by GSWC staff. The winner, Brooke in Apply Valley, was announced on September 2, 2016, and will receive an indoor conservation makeover consisting of up to two high-efficiency toilets, showerheads and features (faucet aerators, etc.), including installation. Brooke’s winning tip encouraged customers to perform a monthly irrigation system audit.
In her entry, Brooke noted, “So much water is lost due to poor distribution, wrong sprinkler sizes, incorrect sprinkler direction and broken irrigation. In addition to lost water, if there is not proper irrigation distribution, the health of the trees, plants, shrubs and groundcover will suffer. Using the test mode of the automatic sprinkler system and physically checking each control box, valve and head monthly will save money, landscaping and water run-off.”
Tips from the finalists included taking five-minute showers from Dayna in Clearlake; using an inline shut-off at the showerhead to stop water flow when soaping your body from Robert in Westmont; adjusting water time/frequency to best fit each plant’s needs with minimal irrigation from Yanjie in Cypress; and collecting rinse water in plastic containers when doing dishes to water outdoor plants from Shyamala in Simi Valley.
“We are always seeking fun, innovative ways to engage with and educate customers regarding the importance of using water wisely and efficiently,” said GSWC Water-Use
