Simple Techniques to Reduce Water Waste at Your Home

Although we are nearing our warmer and dryer season I was thinking that it is never too late to implement some of these systems. We may still get some rain in the next couple months and we can prepare now for the next rainy season. Many of these methods of reusing your water result in a low maintenance lifestyle and will help keep money in your pockets.
Please note the below information is to capture/reuse non-potable water only (no drinking it please).


Storm water management:

• Rainwater harvesting & catchment systems involves capturing rain water for non-potable use & limits urban runoff. It is a good idea for many reasons. It is free of chlorine and other chemicals, so your plants and gardens will like it even more. You can end up saving a lot of money on your water bill and it can also be a great way to avoid watering restrictions if you live in a drought prone area. Capturing rain water can be as easy as setting up a barrel at the end of a gutter or downspout. You will find that the biggest hindrance is getting a large enough tank to hold all of the water you catch! For more ideas read: SmarterHomes.org
  

• A Green Roof is a roof that is completely covered or mostly covered with soil and vegetation. For more information about green roofs please visit: GreenRoofs.com

*Photo used courtesy of MyNewPlace

• Greywater Recycling is using wastewater from your laundry, showers and faucets for non-potable uses. Greywater may be difficult to implement. Please visit this informative site: GreyWater.com
  

• Landscape your exterior and gardens in such a way that it helps prevent runoff. Xeriscaping is landscaping that uses slow growing, drought tolerant plants. This type of landscaping does necessitate planning & proper design but you can save money over time because xeriscaping attracts fewer pests and requires less fertilization & water.

• *Photo used courtesy of: Groups.ucanr.org

Low Cost!!! Addressing Your Home's 'Green' Potential

Here are some low cost ways to make your home more efficient (remember efficiency means eventually more of YOUR MONEY will be saved). Some of these changes are simple, a few are more involved and therefore I shall dedicate much of this blog to help you get started on some of these projects (if of course, you are so inclined).

• Use CFL or LED lightbulbs
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Start a compost pile
• Plant Trees
• Insulate your hot water heater
• Weatherstrip and caulk doors and windows
• Collect rainwater to water plants
• Paint with low - or no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint
• Replace all heating/cooling filters
  
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Plant a rain garden
• Plant native plants
• Place appliances or office equipment on powerstrips to reduce 'phantom' load - this I recently did. Went through and put my microwave, coffee maker, DVD player, etc. on a powerstrip. Basically everything that has a clock and that I never look at for the time. Now I just push the button on the powerstrip to turn it all on/off!