WHY SAVE WATER?

In recent years, water conservation has become an important project. In late summer and early fall of 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003, sections of the Mattole River above Whitethorn dried up.

Juvenile and adult salmon and steelhead trout require cool, clean, flowing water to survive. When water levels get low, river pools become shallow and too warm, and many dry up completely. Fish trapped in these pools frequently die due to high water temperatures or total habitat loss.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

• Use only as much water as you need: Turn off the faucet while your brush your teeth, fill the sink with warm water to wash dishes, use drip irrigation systems in the garden
  

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• Stop leaks! Check your indoor water appliances and devices for leaks. Many silent leaks allow water and your money to go down the drain. Studies have shown that homes can waste more than 10% due to leaking, which costs both you and the environment.
  

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• Decrease the size of your toilet tank: Placing a large rock, or 1/2 gallon milk jug filled with rocks will significantly reduce the amount of water that's used with each flush. This is a much cheaper alternative to upgrading your toilet to a new model.

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• Install water storage tanks: If large storage tanks are filled during the rainy season for use during the dry season, significant amounts of water will remain in the river at the most crucial time of year. If you cannot install large tanks, smaller buckets set out under your gutters will help water your plants and garden during the dry season.
  
  

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• "Recycle" your water: Greywater systems allow you to 'recycle' your household water by utilizing it multiple times before it leaves your property. In fact, if you set up your greywater system properly, plants utilized in the system can filter out nutrients, soaps, and other contaminants. Click here to see a list of plants recommended for your system. Please visit our Resource Center for displays and books available for check-out on greywater systems. More information on greywater and rainwater harvesting.
  
  

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• Use water saving devices: Tank shut-off valves are the single most effective way to conserve water. Other devices, such as low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, also help to conserve water. Call the MRC office for free shower heads and faucet aerators.
  
  

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• Read water conservation FACT SHEETS, available by clicking here.
  
  What is Your Water Footprint?
  
  Sanctuary Forest - Water Storage and Forbearance

Funding for this section of the website was provided by the California Department of Fish and Game, SB271