More than ever, water conservation is vital to Manhattan Beach. As of June 2022, the City has entered into Stage 2 Water Shortage restrictions. Please reference the Water Conservation Ordinance for further details. We appreciate MB residents for doing their part to improve water efficiency and reduce water usage.

Check out how much water is used for common activities:

There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

1. Cut back on rinsing water if you have a newer dishwasher. Newer models clean dishes more thoroughly and require minimal rinsing beforehand.
2. When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
3. Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
4. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
5. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
6. Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
7. Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
8. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.  
9. Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
10. Replace old dishwashers with Energy Star appliances, or compare water efficient appliances on the Consortium for Energy Efficiency website. 

Low Cost/No-Cost Ways To Conserve Water Anytime!

• Install aerators on the kitchen faucet to reduce flows to less than 1 gallon per minute.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• 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.
• Turn water off when brushing teeth or shaving. Save up to 10 gallons a day.
• Test your toilet for leaks at least once a year.  Take advantage of high-efficiency toilet rebates. Save up  to 19 gallons per person, per day.
• Take five-minute showers instead of 10-minute showers.
  • Turn off the water while washing your hair.
  • Install a low flow shower head.
• Use the washing machine for full loads only.
• Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and patios.
• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation, keep the soil cool, and prevent weeds. Save: 20-30 gallons/each time you water/1,000 square feet.
• Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Save: 25 gallons/each time you water

More water conservation tips and information can be found at Save Our Water website.

Please visit Water Use It Wisely for the full 100 ways to conserve! 

Helpful Links:

• West Basin Municipal District is a provider of drinking and recycled water to cities in southwest Los Angeles County, and provides information on water quality and water conservation.
• Los Angeles County Sanitation District
• Metropolitan Water District provides drinking water to 19 million people and strives to meet present and future needs in an economically and environmentally responsible way.
• H20 House will assist you in planning for water efficiency at home and identifying those water saving opportunities.
• American Water Works Association
• Be Water Wise provides tips, short videos on California friendly landscaping, and information on rebates for water-efficient products.
• Department of Water Resources
• Water Miser (Water Conservation Products including WATER BROOMS)

For additional information contact the Public Works Department at (310) 802-5324.