With cold weather coming, now is the time to think about water-saving measures Want a sure-fire way to save water and money? Reduce the water use outdoors.
The average U.S. household uses more water outdoors than most American homes use for showering and washing clothes combined, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some experts estimate that up to 50 percent of landscape water use goes to waste.
As the cold weather approaches, and gardeners start planning for next year’s activities, the time is ripe to think about how to incorporate water-saving measures. Experts offer a variety of solutions from harvesting rainwater to designing water-smart landscape and replacing irrigation components for more efficient ones.
Mike Ruck, co-founder of Rain Water Solutions in Raleigh, N.C., is passionate about rainwater harvesting. The practice of collecting and using rainwater, most commonly from roofs and used for watering lawns and washing cars, is one that has been around for generations. He sells barrels that collect as little as 50 gallons to tanks that store 650 gallons.
But Ruck says interest of late has increased as consumers look for ways to save water.
“The whole process of collecting water is a real educational experience for people,” he says.
In addition to using a rain barrel to collect water for use in the landscape, the Alliance for Water Efficiency also provides other outdoor water conservation tips:
Use native plants or other plants that require little water to thrive in your region.
Organize your landscape into areas with similar water requirements.
Add mulch to prevent water loss through evaporation.
Add a graywater system to collect water from your washing machine or shower and bath and use it in the landscape. Install a weather-based irrigation controller. It is essential that controllers are properly programmed and maintained.
Install and maintain a rain sensor, either wireless or wired, on the irrigation controller if it does not have one built in.
— Patricia V. Rivera
© CTW Features