California American Water offers water saving tips for winter

California American Water has launched an education campaign to assist its customers in reducing water use during the winter months. The campaign will include mailing leak detection kits, water conservation wheels and notices to each customer, bill text messages, bill inserts, education advertising in The Acorn, automated phone calls, and conservation messages on KCLU public radio. The campaign will also include a special appeal to the customers who use the most water, asking them to do everything they can to reduce their water use. Saving water is both good for the environment and the pocket book, and is a great way to go “green” for the holidays.

“We’ve found that often customers don’t think as much about saving water in the winter, and it is more important now than ever,” said operations manager Al Yañez. “With new water use rules potentially going into effect, we want to help customers comply by reducing water use as much as possible. That is why between now and the end of the year we will be making customers aware of the free rebates on water-saving appliances, free water wise surveys, leak detection kits for toilets, and other conservation tools and ideas.”

Yañez was referring to a proposed new rule this winter affecting California American Water customers that, if approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, would reduce the numbers of days customers are allowed to irrigate.

“We find many of our customers are turning off their irrigation completely for the winter months,” he added.

In addition, California American Water is offering rebates on high-efficiency washing machines and low-flow toilets as well as free home water surveys.

“We offer a free survey that will help customers identify any leaks and other areas where they may be able to save water,” Yañez added.

Customers can sign-up for these services by stopping by the California American Water office at 2439 West Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm, or by calling 805-498-1266, ext. 7815.

Conservation tips which will be highlighted in the campaign include:

Water outside once per week between November and March, but consider not watering at all unless it is necessary.

If you must water outdoors, water in the early morning when there is less wind and sun and less water will evaporate.

Check outdoor irrigation systems for leaks.

Consider replacing lawn and other high water use plants with native, drought-tolerant plants.

Check for toilet leaks using a leak detection kit that will be mailed to you by California American Water.

Take advantage of rebates on low-flow toilets and high efficiency washing machines from California American Water.

Pick up free water-saving shower heads, hose nozzles, and faucet aerators at our local office.

Pick up gauges to see if you are overwatering your lawn at our local office.

Take advantage of a free home water survey to help you identify potential areas to save water.

Customers of California American Water should be on the look out in their utility bills, in their mailboxes, on the airwaves and in The Acorn for information about how they can go green for the Holidays by reducing water use.

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada.

More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.