In the hottest days of summer, it can be easy to forget how important water conservation really is. Your lawn looks parched, your gardens seem a bit droopy, and your kids may be begging to play in the sprinkler. You can still get all your water-loving jobs done and conserve water every day, inside and outside your home.
Lawn and garden care should be done in the early morning, before the hot sun comes out to evaporate the water. Watering early gives the soil time to soak in the water and lessens the chances of evaporation. Soaker hoses are a great way to saturate your garden or smaller areas quickly and efficiently.
Keep your lawn at a little longer length to help growth and water storage and you should have to water your lawn less frequently. And don’t compare yourself to the neighbors! A few brown spots or dry areas aren’t hurting anyone – in fact, conserving the water you would use to water is much better than trying to water all the time to green up those areas.
Sweeping down sidewalks and driveways to remove dirt and debris instead of hosing them down saves gallons of water. It takes just as little time and just a little extra effort to get the same effect with zero water usage. When you wash your car, fill up buckets with clean and soapy water instead of keeping the hose running. This will help you monitor how much water you’re using and not waster any. A quick rinse and you’re ready to go!
Inside your home, there are plenty of ways to conserve water that may seem insignificant but add up to great amounts! Turning off the water as you brush your teeth or wash your face and hands saves water over time. Placing a brick inside the toilet tank help reduce the amount of water needed per flush. You can also consider purchasing new new-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets to further decrease your water usage.
You can also collect water from washing dishes in the sink or from your shower. Placing a bucket at your feet while you shower collects excess water from going down the drain and is usable in lawn and garden care! Avoid taking deep baths and opt for quick showers instead!
Be sure to check with your city or county ordinances to make sure you’re following any set guidelines or regulations they have set for watering your lawn or other water usage. A few simple changes around your home can make quite a difference in your water conservation efforts. Helping the environment is also a great way to help your utility bill – you may notice a significant decrease in your payment!