Not only saving water, but in some areas water is getting expensive.  Thanks for the information.

Very informative, thanks for the effort to keep us abreast.

For as little rain as we get in the Southwest, we should be looking at more and more ways to utilize what does fall here!  Good post.

Saw in the paper today that for $49 you can get a WATER AUDIT of your home!  Seems like that might be a good idea!  Had lots of fun last night!  Thanks for coming!

Great push, We will see water and the control of water become the next "oil". Big business all over the world, and it is wonderful that so many of us can actually make a difference on a small scale, that will grow into a huge impact.

Kenneth - We've had a lot of talk in this area about increasing water usage fees.  I'm sure it's going to happen.

Matthew - Glad to help.

Kent - even in areas with lower amounts of rainwall, these systems can be helpful, particularly when integrated into large buildings.

Rainwater collection systems are excellent.  If you are careful about the type of soaps you use, gray water recycling can also be used to water outside plants.  We had a dry spell in Sonoma County, CA last year.  I found that installing drip irrigation, low flow shower heads and other low flow plumbing fixtures helped quite a bit.  Also try doing fewer loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.  Building awareness and demonstrating to people that they have an opportunity to not only conserve resources but save money, is usually an easy sell.  Consider giving away low flow aerators for faucets at trade shows, open houses, etc.  They don't cost much and it lets people know what kind of stand you are taking.  Cheers!  Cindy

Eleanor - Water Audit for $49, wonder what that involves?  Sounds like someone should do some research and find out who the reputable water auditers are!  I think there are some free online water audits that homeowners can fill out.  I'll see if I can find some to share.

Michael - You're right, it's one person at a time that accomplishes many of the biggest changes.  And sometimes it's increasing costs that change habits...

Cindy - Great ideas.  I've also done a post on Gray Water systems.  These are not as prevalent as rainwater systems, but the idea is certainly out there.

Here's the information Stanton Homes has put together about grey water systems:

Gray Water Reclamation System - What is it? How does it work? How much does it cost, and how much water can it save?

Howdy Penny

The show This Old House

has a done a couple

of shows,

that they where helping

to redo the homes.

The homes where puting

in a Rain Water Collection System.

One of the homes got a 10 star rating

for every thing green they had used.

Have a good one

Dale

Thanks for the post. I just went to a rain barrel workshop last weekend where we built our own rain barrels. I have to say it is amazing how much water it collects. I generally never water my lawn out of guilt but I think this year I may actually have a lawn that lives all summer, but then I may have to mow all summer hmmm decisions decisions. Have a great day!!

Hi Penny - this is a great post that all of us, no matter where we live, can put to good use.  I began collecting rainwater a couple of years ago for watering my plants each summer.  I have been doing it in my own clumsy way, using whatever containers I have and setting them out to catch the rain water.  I'll have to check out your system and see about upgrading to something fancier and likely more efficient.

Thanks for the infor in this post!
Ann

Dale - Between exposure on This Old House, the Discovery Channel, and Bob Vila, I think more and more people are at least understanding what a rainwater collection system is, and thinking about whether or not they want one.

Chris - Making your own rain barrel can be fun and helpful.  Holly Springs offers classes to make your own.  Haven't noticed any classes yet from other local towns.

Ann - Sounds like you've got a great system - free containers!  You might be able to get full size rain barrels at cost, many towns are starting to offer this service, if you'd like something larger.

Very interesting.

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