Water Conservation Is Essential For Life

Water is an essential component of life itself. In order to ensure its availability, while saving you money at the same time, it is crucial that everyone practice good water conservation, especially in times of drought. Charlottesville Water encourages every citizen to follow these tips on easy ways to save.

Drought Status:  No drought status is currently in place for our region.  However, we should all use water wisely to protect our water supply in the coming year.

Charlottesville Water Conservation now has a Facebook page!Click here to check it out. "Like" the page to stay connected with Cville water related events, programs, and ways to save!

NEW WATER CONSERVATION COMMERCIALS! Three new water conservation commercials are airing on local TV stations. If you haven't seen them yet - or simply must watch again - they are posted on VIMEO: Fix Leaks Toilet Rebate Shorter Shower

New Native Plant List! If you're planning to update your landscape this spring, visit the new list of plants native to the Piedmont region. native plants tend to have very low water needs - which means they are perfect for your Water Wise Landscape. Visit the new searchable database created by the County of Albemarle by clicking on this link.

THE TOILET REBATE HAS CHANGED!

As of July 1, 2012, only WaterSense labeled toilets will be eligible for the rebate.  WaterSense products have been tested by a third party and are proven to be as effective as conventional products while using at least 20% less water! The City of Charlottesville is offering a $100 rebate for the purchase and installation of a WaterSense toilet.  Open the brochure to submit for your rebate now, or go to this page for more detailed program information.

Use of the toilet accounts for 30% of the average home's indoor water use. Toilets from before 1994 are especially wasteful; if replaced by an efficient model, a typical household can save thousands of gallons per year! Make water conservation automatic - install a WaterSense toilet.

HELP!  MY LAWN GOES COMPLETELY BROWN DURING THESE HOT SUMMERS A lot of grasses go dormant and turn brown in summer heat, and the last three summers have been scorching hot and dry.  Healthy turf can go dormant in these conditions but then rebound in the fall - no supplemental irrigation needed.  Visit our Water Wise Lawns page to learn the steps necessary to prepare your lawn to withstand tough years ahead. A HEALTHY LAWN ISN'T ALWAYS GREEN, BUT IT IS WATER WISE!

Learn to Conserve Water and Maintain a Beautiful Landscape! A beautiful yard is more than just grass.  Visit our Water Wise Landscaping and Water Wise Plants pages to learn more about the variety of different plants that can make up an attractive and water wise landscape.  These include plants that can keep your yard visually appealing in the winter.  Use these chillier months to plan a new yard that is beautiful and healthy.

Residential Water Calculators Available! The City of Charlottesville has a residential water use calculator available! This calculator will help to determine where your water goes, which can help you find the best ways to conserve. You will be able to compare your usage to the average in our community. In addition, the Alliance for Water Efficiency has a new calculator on their Home Water Works website.  You can find more water calculators on our links page.

 ****CLICK HERE TO REGISTER****

The Rain Barrel Rebate Is Now Available City residents may apply for a $30 rain barrel rebate, up to (2) per water account.  Barrels can be purchased from any vendor, though we encourage you to first check out local vendors, like the ones listed here. Learn more about the program by reading the Rain Barrel Rebate Brochure.  Once you have purchased your barrel, use it or the Rebate Request Form to apply for your rebate. Have you also applied for the $100 toilet rebate?  Replacing inefficient toilets is a proven method for long term water conservation.

If you would like to be added to the rain barrel contact list, please email the City's Water Conservation Manager. You will then be notified by email when the next City workshops for 2013 are scheduled.

Read our list of Money-saving Water Conservation Tips

Learn easy ways to conserve water everyday!