We’ve always been encouraged to save for a rainy day. In these times of drought and rising water bills, you’ll be glad you saved rain on a rainy day. Efficient storm water management will afford you the extra amount of water needed for household chores such as lawn maintenance, cleaning of cars, garages, driveways, etc. KESQ correspondent Katie Marks shares some water-saving tips that could also make a difference in your utility bills.
Rain is free
Saving rainwater is not a new idea – especially in areas with minimal rainfall. Companies such as HydroLogic Solutions have taken this to a new level by creating water management systems that can save the water and prevent flash flooding in residential as well as commercial areas.
Do your share in the bathroom
One area of the house with the highest demand for water is the bathroom. Keeping shower and sink drains debris-free will prevent clogging and expensive plumber visits. It’s also possible to recycle water in the bathroom, definitely an idea whose time has come.
In the shower, grey water recycling is an excellent idea (you can recapture that sink water, too) … You can capture cold water in a bucket while you’re waiting for it to warm up (it feels dorky, but that water can be used to flush the toilet and water the garden).
Kitchen
This will be good news for the kids who do the dishes. Studies have shown that dishwashers actually use less water than hand washing. In case you want to keep doing things the old school way, though, make sure to wash all the dishes in one go in the kitchen sink, then rinse them at the same time to minimize frequent running of the tap.
Garden
The time of day you choose to water the garden matters greatly. It is advisable to water early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation. This gives the water time to seep down to your garden’s root level.
Investing in storm water management BMP and energy-efficient appliances is good, but educating your household about the importance of conservation is even better. You’ll pat yourself on the back when you realize how much you’ve saved.
(Article Excerpt and Image from Water-saving tips for drought times, http://www.kesq.com/entertainment/green-living/watersaving-tips-for-drought-times/27090180)
