Publication December 19, 2022

Layperson’s Guide to Water Conservation
Updated in 2022

The 20-page Layperson’s Guide to Water Conservation provides an excellent overview of water conservation in California and the West, explaining how drought, climate change and population growth affect water supplies, and how city residents, businesses and farms are finding ways to use water more efficiently.

This seventh edition of the guide covers such topics as how drought and climate change are affecting California and the Colorado River Basin, how some Southwestern cities are stretching supplies, the impact of landscape choices on water use, how farms are changing to more efficient irrigation practices, and what homeowners can to do save water. Order in bulk (50 or more copies of the same guide) for a reduced fee. Contact the Foundation, 916-444-6240, for details.

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Referring Pages

E-mail blast May 27, 2025 Layperson's Guide to Water Conservation

AQUAFORNIA KICKOFF-Rapid Groundwater Losses in Colorado River Basin; Water Flows to New Wetlands at Salton Sea

In today’s Aquafornia scroll:

Western Water January 13, 2023 Layperson's Guide to Water Conservation WESTERN WATER-In One of the Snowiest Places in the West, A Scientist Hunts for Clues to the Sierra Snowpack’s Future By Nick Cahill

In One of the Snowiest Places in the West, A Scientist Hunts for Clues to the Sierra Snowpack’s Future
WESTERN WATER Q&A: Central Sierra Snow Lab Manager Andrew Schwartz Aims to Help Water Managers Improve Tracking of Snowpack Crucial to California's Drought-Stressed Water Supply

Growing up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Andrew Schwartz never missed an opportunity to play in – or study – a Colorado snowstorm. During major blizzards, he would traipse out into the icy wind and heavy drifts of snow pretending to be a scientist researching in Antarctica.

Decades later, still armed with an obsession for extreme weather, Schwartz has landed in one of the snowiest places in the West, leading a research lab whose mission is to give California water managers instant information on the depth and quality of snow draping the slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

Aquapedia background February 11, 2014 Layperson's Guide to Water Conservation Water Conservation Tips Up Close and Personal: Water Use at Home

Water Conservation

Drought-tolerant landscaping reduces the amount of water used on traditional lawns

Water conservation has become a way of life throughout the West with a growing recognition that water supply is not unlimited.

Drought is the most common motivator of increased water conservation. However, the gradual drying of the West due to climate change means the amount of fresh water available for drinking, irrigation, industry and other uses must be used as efficiently as possible.

Aquapedia background February 11, 2014 Layperson's Guide to Water Conservation

Urban Conservation

Despite droughts, recession and natural disasters, California’s urban population continues to grow.

This population growth means increasing demand for water by urban areas—home to most of California’s population [see also Agricultural Conservation]. As of 2021, three of the nation’s 10 most populated cities are in California.

Aquapedia background February 3, 2014 All Things Drought California Water Map Layperson's Guide to Water Conservation Water Conservation Tips Up Close and Personal: Water Use at Home Drought FAQs

Drought

Drought—an extended period of limited or no precipitation—is a fact of life in California and the West, with water resources following boom-and-bust patterns. During California’s 2012–2016 drought, much of the state experienced severe drought conditions: significantly less precipitation and snowpack, reduced streamflow and higher temperatures. Those same conditions reappeared early in 2021 prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom in May to declare drought emergencies in watersheds across 41 counties in California.