Water Conservation
Our Climate Action Water Goal
Millbrae's Climate Action Plan includes several water conservation goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These goals encompass ongoing rebate and discount programs and other water conservation devices available to residents.
19% of electricity use and 32% of natural gas use in California is related to water. Minimizing our water use will help us reach our energy reduction goal of 55% of 2005 levels by 2030.
Our Plan
- Water Conservation Incentives our rebates and free devices
- Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and CAL Green Indoor Water Efficiency Requirements.
- Residential Graywater Ready New Construction
These measures are designed to decrease water use and contribute to the city's broader objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Millbrae Urban Water Management Plan
Current Water Shortage Stage
On July 25th, 2023, the City of Millbrae rescinded the water shortage emergency declaration and is implementing Stage 1 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
- Request voluntary water conservation by all customers.
- Restrict all landscape irrigation to early morning and evening.
- Use water efficient indoor devices.
- Prohibit non-essential water use:
- serving drinking water by restaurant or food service establishments except upon request
- using of portable water for washing driveways, patios, parking lots, or other paved surfaces
- requiring hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments to offer the option of not laundering towels and linen daily
- draining and refilling of swimming pools.
- Encourage use of drip and other low-volume irrigation systems.
- Encourage appropriate use of gray water systems.
- For detailed information, view the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (PDF) and go to Appendix K.
Conserve water and help us reach our goal
Water conservation involves strategies and activities to manage fresh water as a sustainable resource, ensuring that current and future generations have adequate water supplies. It includes measures to reduce waste, enhance water use efficiency, and protect water quality.
California is drought-prone. Conserving water keeps us out of a severe drought, prevents groundwater depletion, saves energy, and keeps your water bill low.
| As a... | |
|---|---|
| Homeowner | Replace your appliances with water efficient appliances
Repair all leaks
Get a rain barrel (see our rain barrel rebate) Replace your lawn with drought tolerant landscaping (See our landscaping page) Use water efficient irrigation in your garden Become water conscious see our water tips guide |
| Renter | Use water efficient fixtures (see our free devices) Report leaks Become water conscious see our water tips guide |
| Property owner | Fix leaks as soon as reported Install water efficient appliances Install water efficient fixtures Replace your lawn with drought tolerant landscaping Educate your tenants on water conservation |
| Business | Regularly check for and fix leaks Perform water audits to find high-use areas Install water efficient fixtures Consider the use of gray water |