Conserving water at home this summer

Think for a moment about all the daily tasks you complete that involve water. Morning showers, brushing teeth, washing hands, filling the dog’s bowl, cooking a meal and so much more. It plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives which makes conserving water at home this summer an increasingly important consideration.

Since conservation is a central mission at Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow, we put together a few tips for San Antonio homeowners like you.

Inside the home

One of the easiest ways to conserve water during your daily routine is to turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing your hands. Though it seems like a minor change, the repetition can make a big difference over time. This applies to showers too where you can save excess gallons of water by limiting the amount of time you spend there.

Another way to conserve water is to wait to run dishes and laundry until you have a full load. For a higher investment, you might consider installing new appliances like low-flow showerheads and toilets. Review the specs or look for an ENERGY STAR label to help make your decision easier.

It is also important to find and fix leaks as soon as possible. An easy way to check for leaks from the toilet is to add food coloring to the tank and check for remnants in the bowl later.

Outside the home

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 30 percent of household water is used outdoors. You can lower your impact by using local vegetation in your landscaping because those plants are naturally suited for your regional weather conditions. For example, San Antonio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. Look for this on labels when you shop. Planning for this will cut down on your work, as well as the water needed to keep your yard thriving.

Grass is another big offender when it comes to watering, especially if you are trying to grow new seed or settle your sod. If your grass is established, the EPA suggests keeping it two to three inches high. This will improve moisture retention and allow it to develop deeper roots. Scheduling your sprinklers to run when it is cooler out will also make your watering efforts more efficient.

If you like a more manicured look and are not tied to grass, then trees, shrubs and ground cover are common alternatives that are easy to maintain. Adding mulch around shrubs and flower beds reduces evaporation too.

When you clean your driveway, deck, porch or walkway, opt for a broom over a hose. Although it makes for a little extra work, sweeping these areas will save gallons of water on your next utility bills.

For more information Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow and its work around the San Antonio area, call 210-670-5297 or email info@benannietrees.org.