A new report, prepared for the California Homebuilding Foundation by ConSol, a nationally recognized consultant on energy solutions for homebuilders, examined the historical standards for water usage by California home owners and then compared those findings to the usage under today’s building code requirements and also, the new California Green Building Standards Code requirements that will take effect in 2011.

Not surprisingly, the study found that homes built in 2009 reduced water use by 20% compared to home built in 1990. With the introduction of low flow shower heads and low flow toilets, water usage in new homes has been significantly reduced over the past 20 years.

The study also found that under the new regulations for 2011, new home construction would further reduce indoor water use by 21%. The study estimated the cost of these new regulations to be around $350 per home.

Landscaping accounts for more than half of a home’s water usage. 57% of a home’s water usage is outside the home. Irrigation of landscaping is the largest single water use at most homes. The new Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance are part of the new regulations for 2011.

In terms of gallons of water saved, today’s new homes in California use 15,000 gallons less than homes built in 1990. A 2011 new home will use 12,000 gallons less than today’s new home inside the house and 26,000 gallons less water outside the home!

Additional water savings can be created through retrofitting of the 7.5 million single family homes built before 1980, when the first plumbing standards went into effect. By replacing original shower fixtures alone in a pre-1980 home with the new 2011 standard shower fixture, the average home owner can save over 22,000 gallons of water. By replacing one pre-1980 toilet with a 2011 standard toilet, the home owner can save another 16,000 of water each year.

For more details and facts about water saving ideas, visit the San Diego County Water Authority web site or you local water agency. Remember, whiskey is for drinking and water is for saving!