Water Conservation Tips

With water restrictions now in place here in BG, I’m sure many are like me, and don’t want to see all our hard work in our yards and gardens go down the tubes simply due to lack of water. Here’s some easy ways to conserve and recycle water so we can keep our plants and veggies happy and healthy!

Mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulch will help retain moisture longer, and will also control weeds.

Recycle your air conditioning water: It’s easy - just look for the condensation drain line, then route it into a bucket, or in my case, a 20 gallon galvanized garbage can with lid (you may have to add more tubing if the line is too short to reach your bucket). The beauty of this system is when it’s really hot outside, which is when plants need the water most, you’re a/c is the busiest as well. Although I keep my house very warm, in one day the condensation from my a/c fills my garbage can over halfway full!

Keep your indoor watering can next to the kitchen sink: If you have water to discard, throw it in the watering can. If you are running water to get it hot, run it into the watering can while waiting. When cleaning out the pet’s water bowl, toss the old water in the watering can... get the idea?

Never keep the water running when washing dishes, brushing teeth, etc...: Simply a waste of water.

If you don’t have a new toilet, add some bottles to the tank. Fill some jars or bottles with something heavy, then set in the toilet tank. This will lessen the amount of water used when flushing.

And speaking of flushing, if you live alone, conserve here as well. Flush only when necessary! (And you may be able to work out the same deal with roomies and partners!)

Buy a shower head with a cutoff button: There are quite a few inexpensive models, and you can temporarily shut the water off at the shower head when soaping up, washing your hair, etc...

Have some more ideas and suggestions? Please share with us!