10 Ways to Save Water Around the House and Garden

When it comes to preserving our natural resources, conservation is always on our minds. Here we offer a list of small changes you can make to save water around the house and in the garden.

Around the House

•  Check faucets and pipes for leaks. According to EarthEasy, a small drip from a leaking faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day.
• Laundry – Use Correct Setting. Ideally, you’ll want to run a full load of laundry every time, but when you don’t have a full load, adjust your settings accordingly.
• Dishwasher. Some people set their dishwasher timer to run daily, during the overnight hours, but if your dishwasher isn’t full, you’re just wasting water. Waiting to run your dishwasher when it is full will save water and energy, not to mention wear and tear on your plates and utensils.
• Toilet aren’t wastebaskets. Every time you flush a cigarette, tissue or other small piece of trash down the toilet, you are flushing gallons of water with it as well. While Federal plumbing standards specify that new toilets can only use 1.6 gallons per flush, older toilets can use 3.5, 5 or even 7 gallons of water per flush.
• Change your habits. Don’t leave the faucet running when you brush your teeth, shave your face or wash dishes. Instead, partially fill the sink with water to rinse your razor or wash dishes.

In the Garden

• Install a rain collection system. Use natural rainwater for your yard and garden, and lower your water bill. A roof area of only 1,000 square feet can provide as much as 600 gallons of water during a one-inch rainfall. (Source: EarthEasy)
• Mulch around trees and plants. A thick layer (2-4 inches) of mulch not only will prevent the growth of weeds, but it will also hold in moisture that plants, trees and shrubs need – reducing how often you need to water.
• Pick your watering time wisely. The best time to water your plants and garden is early in the morning because the loss of water to evaporation is reduced.
• Plant drought-resistant vegetation. Many lovely plants thrive in drought-like conditions; your local garden center can help steer you to varieties best for your climate. Another option to help save time and water is to replace your perennials with native plants.
• Use alternatives to clean. Instead of using the hose to clean your driveway, sidewalk or patio, pull out the broom between Mother Nature’s showers. A broom will get those pesky cobwebs off the house, too.