Water conservation is high on everyone’s list, especially given the current drought affecting California.

The City of Ripon is looking to take it a step further by implementing a water conservation outreach program.

Tonight, the Ripon City Council is scheduled to talk about the program following a presentation by Ted Johnston, director of Public Works, during the 7 p.m. open session in Council Chambers, 259 N. Wilma Ave.

Some of the facts on this matter as posted on www.cityofripon.org include:

• The average person uses between 88 and 100 gallons of water per day.

• Landscape irrigation typically accounts for 20 to 50 percent of the residential water consumption via traditional appliances and fixtures along with toilets and washing machines followed by showers and faucets.

• Low-flow toilets can reduce water usage to as much as 1.6 gallons per flush while providing savings on the water bill.

• Efficient water fixtures and appliances can also help out, reducing water use in a typical household by 30 percent or more.

• A faucet dripping one drop per second can waste up to 2,700 gallons of water per year where as a leaky toilet can waste as much a 200 gallons of water per year. It is estimated that about 20 percent of toilets have a leak.

What are some of the ways for folks to lower their water consumption?

The City recommends adjusting and maintaining sprinklers based on season and conditions not to mention immediate repairs on all leaks and installing water efficient fixtures and appliances.

Turning off the faucet when brushing one’s teeth or shaving would be among the little things each person can do around the home to help out.

This is the state’s first major drought since the late 1980s and the early ’90s.

For more information, call Ripon City Hall at 209.559.2108.