Water Conservation Could Be As Simple As A Washer Or A Shower Head

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The high cost of the lingering drought could be hitting you in the wallet.

Eric Ciraulo from Capitol Ace Hardware in Sacramento says he's been getting lots of customers coming in and looking for ways to be more drought friendly.

"So far lately I've had customers come in for the drip irrigation, the sprinkler systems, and for the faucets," he said.

When it comes to faucets, leaks from the handles are the biggest problem and and can be the easiest and cheapest to fix.

"What it typically is is wear because everybody wants to shut 'em off and you're shutting them off harder and harder all the time--and all that stops the water flow is that little rubber washer," he said.

Replace the washer atevery a cost of $1 or less, and you're good to go. That fix also works for garden hoses with spray going everywhere.

He also recommends rain-drip kits for gardens and hanging plants.

When it comes to sprinklers, timing is everything. Timers can run from a basic model around $16 to around $45.

That's roughly the same price of what's becoming the hottest drought-induced purchase—a temperature-controlled shower head with an automatic shutoff system.

"They'll shut off when it's hot enough until you get back in and turn it on so you can finish brushing your teeth--doing whatever you're doing..not sitting there waiting for it to get warmer and warmer," he said.