With parts of the United States facing harsh drought conditions, along with the ever-present threat of habitat destruction, adopting environmentally conscious habits at home has gained greater importance. One of the easiest ways to do your part is to save water. Conserving this essential resource on a large scale results in more than just a healthier planet, it's also a great way to lower utility bills and add convenience to your daily routine without spending more money. Here's how the professionals would advise homeowners to start saving more water:
Indoor and General Tips
There's much more to water conservation than simply using less of it. One of the biggest drains on water use comes from old appliances and plumbing fixtures. Leaky faucets are a major culprit. While a steady drip may seem insignificant, this can add up to several gallons per day. Identify and fix leaky pipes by tightening screws or fasteners joining pipes together where you can find them. More stubborn leaks may require professional help.
In general, older appliances like dishwashers, clothes washing machines and faucets don't utilize the latest design technology to reduce water consumption. That means replacing some of these older appliances may be the best way to save water. Inexpensive fixes like faucet aerators should be the priority. Keep in mind, though, that just tossing out an old washer is harmful for the environment, too. See if you might be able to recycle it in some way, or donate it to a charity or thrift store.
Outdoor Water Saving
Lawns and gardens often require plenty of water to stay healthy, so this is yet another area where major savings are possible. If you love gardening, ask someone at your nursery about native plants, as these tend to be adapted to local rainfall and require less water. Grass generally requires a lot of water, so try to reduce the size of your lawn by planting natural vegetation as well as more trees, shrubs and ground cover. With ample vegetation, it's also possible to reduce soil erosion from rainfall, which can have negative effects on plants.
If you do have a lawn, only water it when absolutely necessary - once per week should be enough, even in dry conditions. Be sure sprinklers reach as much of the lawn as possible, rather than spilling onto the sidewalk, and don't leave them running too long. When you mow the grass, set the blades to trim 2 to 3 inches. Longer grass retains more moisture and ultimately grows thicker and healthier.
Another great way to save water in the garden is to utilize rain barrels. These containers can collect rain directly or through a downspout connection and store it without encouraging mosquito growth. This water can then be used for gardening. Many local governments offer subsidies for rain barrels, so contact your city to learn more. In addition, be sure to start a compost collection to develop high-quality soil that can retain more moisture and keep plants healthy.