Before You Harvest - Conserve by Doug Pushard Water conservation can pay big dividends. Not only can it save you money every month, it reduces your impact on the planet and can make you feel better. All without a major change in your lifestyle.
Harvesting rainwater is easy, but can be expensive and can involve a change of lifestyle. But conserving is something we all can do. It just makes good sense. Water rates have started to increase and will probably continue to spiral upwards. There are many, many ways to save water, and all you have to do is start.
Before buying a rainbarrel or planning to install a complete rainwater system look at the list below and start with one or two of these small ways to conserve. It will save you money when you go to install your rainwater harvesting system. The list is organized into inside projects and outside projects; just take your choice and do it!
Inside Projects:
Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
Select the proper size pans for cooking and save a little water every time you cook
Wash dishes by hand, in a dish bin, don't let the water run while rinsing and use the dish water in your garden
Don't rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher
Use the garbage disposal less often; it uses water and the scraps can be better used in your garden
Wash your produce in a pan and then reuse the water in your garden
Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean
Avoid defrosting frozen foods under running water
Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full
If buying a new clothes washer, buy a front loading low-water use model
When it is yellow let it mellow and when it is brown flush it down. Put your toilet paper in a nearby trash receptacle
Replace your toilet with a new low-flow 1.6 gallon per flush model. Or want to save even more buy a new dual flush model
Install a sink on top your toilet with a Toilet Lid Sink. Used hand washing water goes through the toilet, so it is used twice.
Install a low-flow showerhead. To save even more keep a bucket in your shower and catch the cold water and use it in your yard
Turn off your shower water while working your shampoo and conditioner into your hair
Put food coloring in your toilet tank to check for leaks
When taking your shower to keep it under 5 minutes or shower together and save even more
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth
Install a faucet which shuts off automatically
Insulate hot water pipes and your hotwater tank
Install a hotwater recirculating pump or install a instant under sink hotwater heaters; get immediate hot water with no wasted cold water. Make sure the hotwater reciculating pump is on a timer or switch so it does not waste electricity or circulate hotwater needlessly.
Check under your sinks and faucets for water leaks periodically
When cleaning your fish tank, reuse the water on your plants
When you give your pet fresh water, use the old water to water house plants or plants in the yard
Reuse your bathtub water rather than letting it run down the drain
When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load. Preferably wash only full loads
Where possible and allowed, recycle your cloth washing water into your garden
Turn your water softeners off while you're on vacation or better yet eliminate it
Teach your children about water conservation
Outside Projects:
Mow your lawn as infrequently as possible
Put a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation
When planting, choose flowers or shrubs that are native to your area and are low water use. Make sure to plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower
Replace grass with plants requiring less water
Water during the early morning hours to minimize evaporation
Install porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff
Wash your pets outside and reuse the water in your garden
Clean your evaporative cooler annually
Water plants only when necessary. Set a timer when watering by hand as not to let the water run needlessly
Install covers on pools and spas to reduce water evaporation
Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car to save more than 100 gallons. Wash your car in the rain to save even more
If you live in a cold climate, make sure to winterize outdoor spigots to avoid pipes from bursting or freezing
Direct downspouts or gutters towards shrubs or trees to make sure this precious water stay on your property
Install berms and swales on your property to keep more rainwater on your property and out of the storm system
Check your sprinkler system frequently. Make sure to adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street
Replace your sprinkler system with a water efficient drip irrigation system
Install an automatic rain shut-off device on your sprinkler system to eliminate unnecessary watering
Set your drip irrigation system to water depending on temperature and rainfall
Don't leave water hoses running carelessly
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk
Lifestyle Changes:
Get off junk mail lists. It currently consumes 28 billion gallons of water a year. Find out how at JunkBusters.com
Reader Input:
Johnny suggests:
Don't forget to harvest your Air Conditioner water
Use the rinse water from the delicate cycle of the washing
machine because it needs the least treatment, again you will
be amazed by the quantity of water you can collect
Ingrid writes:
Here's one thing we do routinely in our home: It takes exactly 1 gallon of water before the water gets hot enough to wash dishes in the kitchen sink. We collect that in 1-gallon milk jugs and use it to flush the toilet. And yes, we do the same thing in the shower
