Conserve Water, Saving Money!
by Jerry Naiser of Real Green Lawns
There are many ways to conserve significant amounts of water inside and outside the home, and doing so makes sense because it lowers water and sewer bills, extends the water supply and helps the environment. Homeowners can take many simple steps to help preserve this precious renewal resource. Effective water conservation requires awareness, involvement and education.
Indoor water conservation
* Repair all water leaks immediately and be especially alert for leaks in toilets and faucets.
* Install and maintain ultra-low flow toilets. Alternatively, convert existing toilets to low-flow units with a tank dam or even bricks.
* Install and maintain flow restricters (aerators) on faucets.
* Install and maintain low-flow showerheads.
* Limit showering time to 5 minutes. * Do not use toilets as waste baskets or ashtrays.
* Turn off water when shaving and brushing teeth.
* Scrape food off dishes without water prior to rinsing.
* Operate dishwasher only when it is fully loaded.
* Operate clothes washer only when it is loaded to maximum * capacity.
* Rather than run the tap for cool drinking water, keep a filled container in the refrigerator.
* While waiting for running water to warm or cool for use on plants or in cleaning, capture flow for other uses.
Outdoor Water Conservation
* Cover pools, spas and other water features when not in use to minimize evaporation.
* Clean sidewalks, driveways and patios by sweeping rather than by spraying with a hose.
* Wash car(s) with a bucket of water rather than a running hose.
* If possible, drive your vehicle onto the lawn so that all of the water can be absorbed into the landscape.
* Restrict or eliminate use of hose-end water toys. If possible, combine use of water for play with landscape needs.
* Properly prune or trim trees, shrubs and other woody plants to maximize the plants’ health and minimize invasion by pests.
* Frequently remove dead or dying plants and all weeds that compete for available water.
* Apply fertilizers or pesticides, timed to specific needs of the plants.
* Maintain sharp blades on pruning shears and lawn mowers.
* Aerate lawn and cultivate planting beds periodically to decrease compaction and improve penetration of water, air and nutrients into root zones.
* Mulch flower and garden areas as well as tree and shrub bases as appropriate for each species.
* “Harvest” water from rainfall for landscape irrigation purposes.
* Use recycled or non-potable water to the greatest extent possible, as limited by supply and/or regulation.
* Employ a certified landscape-irrigation auditor at least once every five years to conduct a thorough and comprehensive check for efficiency of water application.
* At least once a year, confirm that all irrigation systems are distributing water uniformly and inspect, repair and/or adjust inground or drip watering systems.
* Use water timers or flow meters for hose-end watering to ensure proper amounts are applied.
* Immediately shut off irrigation system(s) and adjust whenever irrigation water falls or runs onto hard surfaces such as sidewalks, streets or driveways.
* Repair all water leaks as soon as detected. (This includes leaking hose couplings, hose bib leaks and similar connections.)
*When buying plants, select those that have scientifically documented low water requirements.
* Determine specific water requirements for all existing landscapeplants.
* Adjust controllers for in-ground or drip watering systems according to seasonal needs of plants.
* Water landscape plants only when necessary according to needs of each plant type or based on local ET (evapotranspiration) rates.
* Water early in the morning when temperatures and winds are at their lowest levels to reduce evaporation.
* Water all plants deeply but infrequently to encourage deeper, healthier rooting.
Find more green living tips and green building information at www.LiveGreenInAustin.com
Posted with permission. www.RealGreenLawns.com
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