California State Parks to shut down outdoor rinse stations amid drought

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- In an effort to conserve water, the California State Parks department will shut down outdoor rinse stations at all of its park and beach locations.

The rinse stations are set to close on July 15. More than 85 million people visit the parks annually, officials said, and each overnight visitor requires about 25 gallons of water per day.

The department estimates that shutting off outdoor rinse stations will save more than 1.2 gallons of water per shower or rinse, which could mean more than 18 million gallons of water saved each year.

Here are some alternatives to cleaning off dirt or sand:

• Use a towel or brush to wipe away the sand
• Bring water from home in a reusable jug
• Use a pressurized sprayer or one of the new pressurized portable showers