Drought, Leaks and Water-Saving Plumbing
Santa Barbara has lived through serious droughts, and water conservation is part of daily life here. Plumbing is where a lot of household water goes, and where a lot of it is wasted. Here is how to keep it in the pipes.
A supply that swings
Cachuma Lake, the reservoir on the Santa Ynez River that serves several South Coast agencies, was created by Bradbury Dam in 1953. Its level swings widely: during the 2011–17 drought it fell to about 7.3 percent of capacity in October 2016, and storms in late 2022 and early 2023 filled it for the first time in 12 years (Wikipedia: Cachuma Lake). Five agencies from Santa Ynez to Carpinteria take water from the lake.
Local suppliers manage that variability: the City of Santa Barbara (City of Santa Barbara, Water Resources), Goleta Water District (Goleta Water District), Montecito Water District (Montecito Water District) and Carpinteria Valley Water District (Carpinteria Valley Water District) each publish their own water-supply and conservation information.
Leaks are the easy win
The EPA's WaterSense program estimates that household leaks waste nearly a trillion gallons nationwide each year, and that about one home in ten has leaks wasting 90 gallons or more a day. The most common are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets and leaking valves (U.S. EPA WaterSense, Fix a Leak Week).
- Meter test: turn off all water use and watch the meter.
- Toilet dye test: food coloring in the tank; color in the bowl means a leak.
- Faucets and showerheads: look and listen for drips.
- Irrigation: check for soggy spots, broken heads and valves that weep.
- Water heater: check the relief valve discharge line for drips.
Efficient fixtures
WaterSense-labeled toilets, faucets and showerheads use less water and are tested for performance (U.S. EPA WaterSense). Replacing an old high-volume toilet is often the largest single indoor saving.
Drains and low flow
In some older homes with rough or sagging sewer laterals, lower flush volumes can let solids settle. If clogs begin after a fixture upgrade, a camera inspection of the lateral can explain why. See sewer line repair.
Hot water waste
Running the tap while waiting for hot water wastes water every day. Insulating hot lines, moving the water heater closer to fixtures in a remodel, or a recirculation setup can shorten the wait.
Supplier programs
Water suppliers on the South Coast have offered rebates, audits and conservation programs over the years. Programs change; check with your supplier for current offerings.
Related pages: leak detection & repair, toilet repair & replacement, faucets, sinks & fixtures, and what shapes an estimate.
Sources: Wikipedia: Cachuma Lake; City of Santa Barbara, Water Resources; Goleta Water District; Montecito Water District; Carpinteria Valley Water District; U.S. EPA WaterSense, Fix a Leak Week; U.S. EPA WaterSense.
Short answers
Where does Santa Barbara get its water?
From a mix of sources managed by the City and local water districts, including Cachuma Lake. Each supplier publishes its own supply information.
How much water does a leak waste?
The EPA estimates about one home in ten has leaks wasting 90 gallons or more a day.
What is the easiest leak to fix?
A worn toilet flapper is one of the most common and simplest.
Are there rebates for efficient fixtures?
Programs vary over time. Check with your water supplier.
Can low-flow toilets cause clogs?
In older homes with damaged laterals, sometimes. A camera inspection can tell.
Related plumbing work
Leak Detection & Repair
Finding hidden leaks in walls, ceilings, slabs and yards, then repairing or rerouting the pipe with as little opening up as possible.
Toilet Repair & Replacement
Running, leaking, rocking and clogging toilets repaired or replaced, with water-efficient models where it makes sense.
Faucets, Sinks & Fixtures
Dripping faucets, worn shut-off valves, new sinks, disposals and shower valves, with water-efficient options.
More to read
- Water Heater Strapping and Earthquakes in CaliforniaWhy California requires water heaters to be braced, what Health and Safety Code 19211 says, how strapping is usually done, and what to check on an…
- Hard Water and Mineral Buildup on the South CoastHow minerals in South Coast water affect water heaters, tankless units, faucets and showerheads, how to read your supplier's water quality report,…
- Sewer Laterals on the South CoastWhat a sewer lateral is, who is responsible for it around Santa Barbara, how camera inspections work, common defects in older clay and cast-iron…
- Older Homes: Galvanized, Cast Iron and Clay PipePlumbing in older Santa Barbara-area homes: galvanized supply pipe, cast-iron and clay drains, lead questions, signs of trouble and how replacement…
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