California American Water is continuing the call for water conservation by urging all of its Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Camarillo customers to turn off outdoor irrigation systems during rainstorms and to leave their sprinklers and other irrigation systems turned off for at least seven days after the rains end. The storms will cut the need for outdoor watering.

Even with the California Department of Water Resources reporting that the snowpack water content is 115 percent of normal statewide, significant long-term challenges still remain to improving reliability of Southern California’s water supplies from the Bay-Delta. 

California American Water has made it a priority to help its Ventura County customers reduce their water use by 15 percent. Some simple suggestions to conserve water include:

•Water no more than two days a week during the winter months.

•Water before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. to prevent water evaporation.

•Limit watering to 15 minutes outdoors each day per station. Use a weather-based controller to prevent overwatering during wet weather.

•Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve while washing vehicles.

•Turn off decorative water features unless they recirculate water.

•Repair leaks immediately. This could save hundreds of gallons of wasted water a month.

•Avoid water waste by striving to limit water use while doing yardwork. Don’t allow water to run onto sidewalks, driveways or gutters. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean paved surfaces.

•Pick up free water-saving shower heads, hose nozzles and faucet aerators at the California American Water office.

California American Water offers rebates on water-saving appliances, free water-wise surveys, leak detection kits for toilets and other conservation tools and ideas. Customers can sign up for these services by stopping by the office between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 2439 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, or by calling (805) 498-1266, ext. 7815.