I was inspired to create this lens after reading an article about how drought is affecting people living in the western United States. I live in the West, so it's something I'm faced with.
Hopefully, most people try to conserve water to some degree. With the population increasing, there is an increasing demand for water. While the planet is mostly covered in water, only a very small percentage is drinkable.
Ways to conserve water in the house
There are many ways to cut down on your water use in the house. Some water providers offer rebates if you buy energy efficient dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets.
- Install low-flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets.
- Don't leave the water running while brushing your teeth.
- Run your dishwasher only when it is full.
- Take shorter showers. I mean com'on, do you really need a twenty minute shower?
- Try to save the cold water that gets wasted in the shower while you're waiting for the water to heat up. (It would be nice if new homes were built with some sort of a holding tank for this water...that would make it a lot easier to save this water).
- Insulate your water pipes.
- Install an instant water heater on your kitchen sink. This will save water and time, since you don't have to let the water run while it heats.
- Soak dishes instead of running the water while you scrape off food particles.
- Invest in energy efficient dishwashers and washing machines.
- Use the correct water level when running the washing machine.
- Every so often, check your toilet for leaks. You can do this by placing a dye tablet or food coloring in the tank. If the dye is noticeable in the bowl without flushing, then you have a leak.
- Don't defrost food items by running water over them. Plan ahead, and defrost them in the refrigerator overnight.
Ways to conserve water outdoors
- Water your lawn early in the morning. That way, less water is lost to evaporation.
- Water your lawn deeply but infrequently. This will keep your lawn healthy.
- Aerate lawns so that they are better at absorbing water.
- Make sure that your sprinklers are not watering your driveway, walkway, ect.
- Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting in the summer. Longer grass blades provide shade which will help hold moisture.
- Choose plants that require less water, and match the sun, shade and soil conditions of your yard.
- Use a rain barrel to catch rainwater runoff from your roof. This water can be used to water your garden.
- If you are not using a rain barrel, then direct downspouts toward shrubs or trees.
- Bathe your pets outdoors in areas that are in need of water. It probably makes more sense to do this in the summer if you live in cooler areas, since your lawn may be getting enough water in the winter and Fido doesn't want to freeze!
- Use a water-retention potting soil mix for container planting.
- Add three to four inches of mulch around plants and flowers. This helps retain moisture, among other benefits.
- Use covers on pools and spas to reduce evaporation.
More Ways to Conserve Water
Ok, these ideas may be "controversial" to some people...
- If you can get away with it, don't wash your hair every day. Or (yikes!) skip a shower altogether. We all have days where we just sit around and do nothing...no need to smell nice if all you're going to do is sit in front of the TV or clean the house! (Added bonus: bathing less can help if you have dry skin and/or hair, especially if you take hot showers.)
- Don't use a fresh towel after every bath or shower. A lot of hotels are now giving guests the option to not have their towels (or sheets) replaced on a daily basis.
- Don't bathe your pets excessively. Unless it's a show dog or gets muddy a lot, your dog does not need to be bathed every week or two. I only wash my dog a few times a year. Instead, I rub her down with pet wipes and wet towels. She hates it, but it's a lot quicker than a bath and uses no/little water.
- Wash your car less frequently if you don't drive a lot. Instead, spot clean any bird poop spots, dead bugs, ect.
Catch a Raindrop
Products that can help you save water and money
- Family Water Audit
- Family water saving tips to use inside and outside your home.
- Acclima, Inc.
- Water efficent irrigation systems.
- X-Grass
- Artificial grass, artificial turf or simulated lawn.
- SYNLawn
- This company sells synthetic grass. I first heard about them a year ago after reading about the Wynn in Las Vegas.
- Watermiser Water Conservation
- Watermiser Clean Green products use water saving technology.
- Watersaver.com - ecofriendly products
- This site offers a number of water saving products.
- WeatherTRAK Irrigation Systems and Controllers from Hydropoint
- WeatherTRAK irrigation controllers.
Arizona
- Arizona Department of Water Resources
- Statewide drought assistance.
- CLIMAS - Urban Water Study
- Water conservation in Flagstaff, Arizona.
- City of Scottsdale
- Water conservation information, along with links to plumbing rebates.
- City of Mesa
- Water conservation programs offered by the City of Mesa.
- City of Glendale - Water Conservation
- Water conservation tips from the City of Glendale.
- City of Phoenix
- Water conservation programs offered by City of Phoenix, including an interactive watering guide.
- City of Tempe
- Water conservation information from the City of Tempe.
- WaterCASA
- Water Conservation Alliance of Southern Arizona Be Creative - Have Fun - Save Water
California
Here are some links to California water districts, agencies, and other sites.
- Bewaterwise.com
- A garden guide provided by Southern California water agencies.
- San Francisco Bay Fund
- Bay Area Water District education programs.
- DWR Home - Recent News
- California Department of Water Resources home page and listing of recent news items.
- LACSD Water Reuse Partnership Home Page
- Water reclamation and reuse is becoming an integral part of the water picture
for Los Angeles County. - Metropolitan Water District of Southern California - Your Water
- This site provides information on water treatment plants, water quality and supply, among other things.
Nevada
- Southern Nevada Water Authority
- Water resource management and conservation.
- WaterWired: Report: Water Conservation in Las Vegas
- All things fresh water.
Sponsored by the Institute for Water and Watersheds at Oregon State University (water.oregonstate.edu)
Oregon
- Oregon Association of Conservation Districts - Conservation Districts
- Brief information and current activities for each of Oregon's 45 Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
- Portlandonline.com
- Portland Water Bureau.
- Native Plant Finder - Portland Metro
- Fill your yard with plants that are native to northwest Oregon.
- Oregonwaters.org
- Friends of Living Oregon Waters
FLOW's mission is to provide legal oversight, monitoring and public education to help protect Oregon Waters from the impacts of pollution.
Washington
Yes, even Washington has drought problems...
- Saving Water Partnership - Seattle Area
- Savingwater.org is sponsored by the Saving Water Partnership, a group of water utilities from throughout Seattle and King County.
- Seattle.gov - Seattle Public Utilities
- The Seattle Rain Barrel- a service of Seattle Conservation Corps and Seattle Public Utilities.
- Tacoma Water - Water Conservation Home
- Conservation information from the City of Tacoma.
- Washington State Department of Ecology
- Information on drought in northwestern Washington State, along with information on water supplies.
Great Stuff on Amazon
Why Should I Save Water? (Why Should I?)
A book that teaches children about one of our most precious natural resources.
Do you take steps to conserve water?
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My Guestbook
Please let me know what you think of this lens.
Thanks!
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RickBasset
Great ideas! We can all make a difference! Posted March 25, 2008 |
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susiesoxer
Great tips here Posted June 10, 2007 |
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1SquidAddict
Welcome to the Group! Posted June 06, 2007 |
