Saving Water Outdoors20. Don't overwater your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every five to seven days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Buy a rain gauge and use it to determine how much rain your yard has received. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.
21. Plant it smart. Drought efficient landscaping is a great way to design, install and maintain both your plants and irrigation system. More importantly, it will save time, money and water.
22. Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces losses from evaporation.
23. Don't allow sprinklers to water your street, driveway or sidewalk. Position them so water lands on the lawn and shrubs... not the paved areas.
24. Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water efficient irrigation methods.
25. Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.
26. Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.
27. Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Fertilizer applications increase the need for water. Apply fertilizers which contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
28. Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
29. Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
30. Avoid the installation of ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless the water is recycled.
31. Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn sprinklers off.
32. Avoid purchasing recreational water toys which require a constant stream of water.
33. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
34. Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose which can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in place. Washers prevent leaks.
35. If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
General Water Saving Tips:
36. Get involved in water management issues. Voice your questions and concerns at public meetings conducted by your local government or water management district.
37. Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules in effect in your community. Don't assume -- even if you get your water from a private well -- that you need not observe good water use rules. Every drop counts.
38. Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace. Suggest that water conservation be put in employee orientation and training programs.
39. Patronize businesses which practice and promote water conservation, such as restaurants that only serve water upon request.
40. Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner, local authorities or your water agency.
41. Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.
42. Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste water for irrigation and other uses.
43. Support efforts and programs that create a concern for water conservation among tourists and visitors to our state. Make sure your visitors understand the need for, and benefits of, water conservation.
44. Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community. Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on bulletin boards and by example. Encourage your friends, neighbors and co-workers to "do their part."
45. Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don't waste water just because someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying at a hotel.
36. Get involved in water management issues. Voice your questions and concerns at public meetings conducted by your local government or water management district.
37. Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules in effect in your community. Don't assume -- even if you get your water from a private well -- that you need not observe good water use rules. Every drop counts.
38. Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace. Suggest that water conservation be put in employee orientation and training programs.
39. Patronize businesses which practice and promote water conservation, such as restaurants that only serve water upon request.
40. Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner, local authorities or your water agency.
41. Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.
42. Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste water for irrigation and other uses.
43. Support efforts and programs that create a concern for water conservation among tourists and visitors to our state. Make sure your visitors understand the need for, and benefits of, water conservation.
44. Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community. Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on bulletin boards and by example. Encourage your friends, neighbors and co-workers to "do their part."
45. Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don't waste water just because someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying at a hotel.
No comments:
Post a Comment