Water conservation is not just a buzzword in Burbank — it is a way of life in a region where the water supply depends on imports, careful management, and the collective effort of every household. The good news is that meaningful water savings do not require dramatic lifestyle changes. The biggest reductions come from fixing the plumbing problems you already have and making smart upgrades when the opportunity arises.
Fix Leaks First — They Are the Biggest Wasters
Before you think about upgrades, fix what is already broken. A dripping faucet wasting one drip per second adds up to over 3,000 gallons per year. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. A hidden slab leak can dump water 24 hours a day for months before you notice the bill increase.
The EPA estimates that household leaks in the United States waste nearly one trillion gallons of water annually, and roughly 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. A professional residential plumbing inspection catches leaks you cannot see and fixes the ones you have been tolerating.
If your Burbank water bill has increased without a corresponding increase in usage, start with a meter test and call a plumber if the meter shows flow when nothing is on. A professional leak detection service can locate hidden leaks without tearing up your home.
Upgrade to WaterSense-Certified Fixtures
The EPA WaterSense program certifies toilets, faucets, and showerheads that use at least 20 percent less water than standard models without sacrificing performance. Replacing older fixtures with WaterSense models is one of the most straightforward water conservation measures available.
Older toilets in Burbank homes use 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush. Current WaterSense-certified models use 1.28 gallons or less. For a household of four flushing an average of five times per person per day, that upgrade saves over 20,000 gallons per year from toilet usage alone.
Low-flow showerheads certified by WaterSense deliver 2.0 gallons per minute or less compared to older heads flowing at 2.5 to 5.0 GPM. The difference is substantial over months of daily showers, and modern low-flow heads use pressure compensation technology so the experience still feels satisfying.
Consider a Tankless Water Heater
A conventional tank water heater stores and continuously reheats 40 to 50 gallons of water whether you need it or not. Every time you draw hot water, cold water enters the tank and the heating cycle restarts. You also waste water standing at the faucet waiting for hot water to arrive from a distant tank.
A tankless water heater heats water on demand, eliminating standby heat loss and reducing the total energy required to keep your household in hot water. While the primary savings are in energy, the reduced wait time for hot water at distant fixtures also means less water running down the drain while you wait.
Manage Your Irrigation System
Outdoor water use accounts for a significant portion of residential consumption in Burbank. An irrigation system with leaking valves, broken heads, or improperly programmed timers can waste thousands of gallons per month. Walk your irrigation zones seasonally, repair broken components promptly, and adjust watering schedules based on actual weather conditions rather than running the same program year-round.
Consider upgrading to a smart irrigation controller that adjusts watering based on real-time weather data. The Burbank Water and Power department periodically offers rebates and incentives for water-efficient landscape upgrades that can offset the cost of smart controllers and drip conversion.
The Bigger Picture
Every gallon saved at a Burbank home reduces demand on an imported water supply that is increasingly stressed by drought cycles, population growth, and climate variability. The plumbing upgrades that save water also save money on your utility bill, reduce wear on your drain and sewer system, and extend the life of your water heater and other appliances.
A licensed Burbank plumber can audit your home’s plumbing, identify the biggest opportunities for conservation, and install the upgrades that deliver the fastest payback. Saving water in Burbank is not a sacrifice — it is smart homeownership.
