Water Officials Offer Tips for Conservation

The wet forecast for the Bay Area this week is not enough to combat the region's drought. Officials said the rain in the forecast will barely make a dent in the state's water supply.

Water officials in response are encouraging residents to look beyond the faucet and consider bigger conservation ideas.

MORE: Drought Gets Real: 17 Calif. Communities Set to Go Dry

For example, shortening your shower by five minutes can save 15 gallons of water. Installing a low-flow shower head can save 16 gallons a day. Need to cut back more? Check to see if you have faulty faucets.

"The faucet needs low flow aerators if you put them in you could save a gallon and a half per minute," said Jerry De Lapiedra of the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

And by simply turning off the water every time you brush your teeth you can save two gallons a minute, officials said.

Bay Area reservoirs are a quick reminder on why it's important to save water.

The Almaden Reservoir is bone dry. Last year was the driest season in California since the 1870s and the Santa Clara Valley Water District is now asking all 2 million of its customers to cut back by at least 10 percent.

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