It is becoming increasingly vital to conserve water, especially in the hot and dry season. Unfortunately, dry spells only make things worse as people use up to 40% of their average water consumption outdoors (watering lawns, plants, washing cars, etc).
For those of us who are more environmentally conscious, there are a few things that can be done to maintain that lawn green and not waste water:
- Collect the rain water in a barrel connected to the gutter system. An inch of rain gathered on a 1000 square foot roof provides up to 600 gallons of fresh water.
- When purchasing a barrel, look for one with a mesh top to prevent debris from falling in, and a lid to stop mosquitoes and other insects from breeding in your water.
- For easier use, go for a barrel with a side valve so you can attach a hose to it.
- And since most barrels can hold up to 60 gallons of water, make sure that it is placed on an even and solid surface.
For more information on ways to conserve water in you house (inside and outside) and why it is so crucial, read my article entitled “Conserving Water is Vitally Important”
