Publications

BWS produces or sponsors a number of publications and other materials designed to help the public better understand our island's fresh water system and how they can help to conserve and protect it for future generations.

Adobe Reader is needed to view these documents.

---

Water Conservation Publications

• Conservation Tips:
  • 7 Easy Ways to Save Water
  • 32 Ways to Save Water from the Watershed to Your Home
  • Hawaii Backyard Conservation
  • How to Xeriscape on Oahu
  • Your Water, Conservation & the Board of Water Supply (09/2022) 
• Leak Detection Tips:
  • How to Check for Leaks
  • How to Install or Replace a Toilet Flapper
• Oahu's Watersheds:
  • BWS Watershed Studies: Biocontrol of Strawberry Guava (Makaha Valley, Oahu)
  • BWS Watershed Studies: Canopy Interception Study Poster (Koolau, Oahu)
  • BWS Watershed Studies: Canopy Interception Study Poster (Makaha Valley, Oahu)
  • BWS Watersheds Studies: Harnessing Rainwater from Stemflow Collars to Aid in Native Forest Restoration Efforts (Waianae and Koolau Mountains, Oahu)
  • BWS Watershed Studies: Prioritization Recommendations Poster
  • Protecting Our Watersheds
  • Water Warriors: Kuleana Eco-Project 
• Rain Barrel Catchment Systems:
  • Rain Barrel Construction Instructions and FAQ
  • Rain Barrel Placement and Maintenance
  • Rain Barrel Dimensions and Setup Examples
• Recycled Water:
  • Recycled Water: Frequently Asked Questions
  • Recycled Water: Using Water Wisely
• Water Conservation Tip Sheets:
  • Car Wash: Save Money by Conserving Water
  • Water Conservation for Commercial Buildings
  • Water Conservation for Golf Courses
  • Water Conservation for Hotels
  • Water Conservation for Schools and Public Buildings
  • Water Conservation in Condos and Apartment Buildings
  • Water Conservation Tips for Hotel Guests
• Water for Life:
  • Water for Life: Ka Wai Ola Coloring Book
  • Water for Life: The History and Future of Water on Oahu

Related Water Conservation Links

• Emergency Preparedness
• Landscape Irrigation Best Practices
• Leak Detection
• Water Conservation for Restaurants

---

Landscape Irrigation Conservation: Best Management Practices

Landscape Irrigation Conservation: Best Management Practices is a publication developed by the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii (LICH) in partnership with the State of Hawaii Commission on Water Resources Management, the City & County of Honolulu, and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS).

This publication provides useful information and best management practices on installing and maintaining a landscape irrigation system. Landscape irrigation uses about 50 percent of total household water consumption, so installing an efficient landscape irrigation system can help to preserve precious water resources and save customers money on their water bill.

Top 10 Water Conservation Best Management Practices for Installing and Maintaining a Landscape Irrigation System

1. Set an irrigation schedule to avoid watering lawns between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Instead, water in the early morning, evening, or at night to reduce water waste.
2. Adjust your irrigation schedule throughout the year according to current soil conditions and seasonal weather conditions.
3. Use water-saving irrigation components such as rotary nozzles, pressure regulated spray heads/valves, rain switches, or high efficiency nozzles.
4. Conduct monthly sprinkler inspections to ensure the system is operating efficiently.
5. Use climate-based irrigation controllers (Smart Controllers) to schedule watering based on weather conditions.
6. Mulch garden beds to increase water filtration, reduce water pooling, and to minimize water loss due to evaporation.
7. Utilize drip irrigation for watering shrubs, trees, and plant beds to minimize water waste.
8. Equip sprinklers with check valves to prevent water from ponding at the lowest sprinkler head.
9. Xeriscape! Organize your landscape and select plants that will minimize the use of supplemental water from irrigation. Learn more about xeriscaping.
10. Use a licensed maintenance contractor with water conservation expertise.

For More Information

Hard copies are available, in limited supply, by calling the BWS Communications Office at (808) 748-5041.

    

---

Updated: 04/01/2025