San Diego and California are in a drought and we are asking for everyone's help! In the wake of a statewide water shortage, it is important that we all do our part to conserve water! Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency, stating that recent conditions have contributed to what is "perhaps the worst drought that California has ever seen" since record keeping began in 1970.

Gov. Brown suggested that each person cut their water usage by 20%. According to the CA Dept of Water Resources, on average, 156 gallons of water a day are used. Cutting that number by 20% means cutting back on using approximately 30 gallons of water a day. Below are some useful facts and easy tips to conserve water in YOUR home and save on your bill too!

As a resident At Solterra, did you know?

As a resident of Solterra, you’re already part of a property that not only likes to pamper YOU but pamper the earth too! Solterra takes EcoLiving to a much higher level than it’s ever been. In fact, it has been used as a model for other communities on how to incorporate green building and planning.

• Our landscaping incorporates native California or Mediterranean plants which are drought tolerant and require relatively low supplemental irrigation.

• We use synthetic turf throughout in lieu of grass • Irrigation controllers with on-site weather stations maximize irrigation effectiveness

• The irrigation was designed with high-efficiency rotor heads and drip systems

(For a complete list of Solterra’s EcoFeatures, click here to download our fact sheet!)[http://www.solterraecoluxuryapts.com/uploads/properties/resources_pdfs/original/1249/Eco_Benefits.pdf?1361292839]

Laundry:

Solterra Bonus: Your home includes high-efficiency laundries- the clothes dryers are natural gas and the washing machines have a water factor of less than 5.0!

Some helpful conservation tips!

• Use the washing machine for full loads only to save water and energy

• Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and energy, and helps your clothes retain their color Kitchen:

• Run the dishwasher only when full to save water and energy.

• Install a water- and energy-efficient dishwasher. Save: 3 to 8 Gallons/Load.

• When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.

• Dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand.

• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost vegetable food waste and save gallons every time.

• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

• Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator.

• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.

• Cook food in as little water as possible. This also helps it retain more nutrients.

• Select the proper pan size for cooking. Large pans may require more cooking water than necessary.

• If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

• Collect the water you use while rinsing fruit and vegetables. Use it to water house plants. Bathroom

Solterra Bonus: Your home contains high-efficiency toilets that use only 1.28 gallons per flush

Some helpful conservation tips:

• Take five minute showers instead of 10 minute showers. Save: 12.5 gallons with a low flow showerhead, 25 gallons with a standard 5.0 gallon per minute showerhead.

• Fill the bathtub halfway or less. Save: 12 Gallons

• When running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the water. Adjust the temperature as the tub fills.

• Turn water off when brushing teeth or shaving. Save: Approximately 10 Gallons/Day

• Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket.

• Be sure to test your toilet for leaks at least once a year. Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Contact our leasing office and we'd be happy to fix it!

• Plug the sink instead of running the water to rinse your razor and save up to 300 gallons a month.

• Turn off the water while washing your hair and save up to 150 gallons a month.

• When washing your hands, turn the water off while you lather.

• Take a (short) shower instead of a bath. A bathtub can use up to 70 gallons of water.

Thank you for your participation and please share with us any ideas or suggestions you may have as well!!