A convenient online workshop developed by Valencia Water Company is providing customers with a range of practical information to be smart about their water use, officials announced Tuesday.

VWC customers who complete the WaterSMART Online Workshop will receive a $20 credit on their bill, but the highly informative online class is open to anyone. Officials say the real benefit to residents is gaining additional insights into how they can make permanent and long-term improvements in their water use inside and outside their homes.

“Education about our state’s most important resource is an ongoing endeavor. There are always new tips and techniques we can learn in order to be more efficient with our water use. This is about long-term savings and using the best information available today – from the comfort of your home,” said Matt Dickens, VWC’s resource conservation manager. “In essence, we are delivering a water expert to our customers’ homes through this online resource.”

The workshop – available at www.watersmartworkshop.com – also provides people with information about the current drought and how to read and analyze their water bill. The online workshop has been updated to reflect the region’s and state’s current water restrictions, and includes links to resources and locations where water-saving devices are sold or offered for free.

More than 100 VWC customers have already taken the interactive class, Dickens said, and almost all participants found there were simple ways to save even more water without impacting lifestyle.

“Valencia Water Company customers have had some of the highest water-saving trends during our current drought. Yet, after taking the class, people found they still could do a lot more to save water outdoors with no impact to their lifestyle,” Dickens said. “The workshop gives you instant feedback. Once you see the numbers, you quickly recognize there are more steps you can take to avoid wasting water.”

Upon completion of the WaterSMART Workshop, customers will have access to their customized workshop report that not only identifies their results, but also serves as a one-stop-shop for all things conservation.  Customers can log back into the WaterSMART Workshop at their convenience to recall information as well as gain direct access to water conservation programs, rebates, and incentives that were recommended during the workshop.

VWC customers are encouraged to take the class soon because there are limited funds set aside for the bill credit.

The WaterSMART Online Workshop is the latest in a series of tools and offerings that Valencia Water Company has developed for its customers. A popular resource – the Personal Drought Report – will soon be updated and mailed to customers. Visit VWC’s website for rebates and other conservation tips.

About Valencia Water Company

Valencia Water Company serves approximately 97,300 people in the Santa Clarita Valley, including Valencia, Stevenson Ranch and portions of Newhall, Saugus and Castaic. Valencia supplies its customers with high-quality water supplied from local wells and from imported supplies. Valencia has served the Santa Clarita Valley since 1965. Valencia Water Company can be reached at:  www.valenciawater.com or 661-294-0828.