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Water Conservationby Paul Tick This year we have seen quite a drought. Whether or not this is related to our devastation of the environment is yet to be told. But no matter what, water conservation is extremely important if we are to preserve clean water on this planet. Here are some simple, practical and inexpensive ways you can help. Plumbing 1. Fix all leaky faucets and toilets immediately. 2. Install low-flow shower heads or put flow restrictors in the ones you already have. 3. If you need a new toilet, get a modern ultra-low-flush model. If you have an older one, fill a plastic bottle with water and put it in the tank to reduce the amount of water flushed. Be sure the bottle doesn't interfere with the moving parts. Garden 1. Plant native species that are naturally adapted to this climate. Perennials also use less water than annuals, as their roots systems are already developed. 2. Replace lawns with native plant gardens that require less water (and less noisy and polluting mowing) and feed birds, bees and butterflies. 3. Make your own compost and use organic mulch to enrich the soil and keep moisture around your plants. 4. If you use sprinklers, do so in the late afternoon or early evening so the water has time to soak into the ground, rather than be evaporated by the sun. 5. Buy soaker hoses that will slowly drip water exactly where your grades most need it. 6. If you have an aquarium, when you change the water, use the old water for your plants as it is rich in nutrients. Around the house 1. Reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible as the manufacturing of new goods uses massive amounts of water. 2. When you use a clothes washer or dish washer, do so only when full. Consider washing dishes by hand, filling up the sink with soapy water for the cleaning, then rinsing. Careful washing by hand will save many gallons of water (as well as electricity). 3. If you are in need of a new clothes washer, shop around for a front loader. It will initially cost more but will generally last much longer and use much less water per wash. 4. Set your clothes washer for one less cycle per wash. 5. Clean your windows, porches, sidewalk and bicycles with a bucket of water and your driveway with a broom, not a hose. 6. Don't run water while brushing your teeth. 7. Take short showers rather than baths. 8. For cold water, keep a filled bottle in the refrigerator rather than running it from the faucet to get it cold 9. If you have a dehumidifier in your basement, use the water for your garden or house plants. Other 1. Use public swimming places rather than having private a backyard pool. 2. When washing your car make sure to use a car wash that recycles the water. If you do it yourself, use more elbow grease rather than so much hose spray to remove dirt. |
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