During the summer months, one thing is on everyone's mind: the heat and how to beat it. Public pools are opened, private pools are uncovered and cleaned, resort towns are overcrowded with suntanned beach-goers.
But one thing many people do not think about is how much water waste occurs during the summer.
According to the EPA, homeowners use an average of two to four times as much water during the summer as any other time of year.
That's a lot of water! With the rising temperatures and lower than average rainfalls, water conservation is at its utmost importance.
Being diligent in your water usage and focusing on these few steps to make the most of your lawn care and water home use will go a long way toward staving off the worst.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
It is important during the hot summer months to do your best to conserve water. Water is a crucial commodity in this world and water waste can lead to droughts and even famine. But, of course, we want our lawns looking beautiful, as well. These few tips will help you have a lush, beautiful yard while saving water at the same time.
- Timing Is Key: Several tricks will let you have a lush, green lawn without wasting a ton of water in the process. First, figure out how much water your landscape needs. Not all lawns are the same, and your lawn may not need as much water as you think it does. Your local landscaping company or water utility company can help you figure out how much water your plants need so you can keep them at their most luscious without the waste. It is also best to water your landscape either early in the morning before the sun comes up or late in the evening after the sun goes down. Evaporation will occur in the hottest parts of the day, and it may even cause your grass to turn brown and die.
- Get a Tune-Up: Have both your irrigation systems and your indoor plumbing checked for leaks. Minor leaks may not seem like a big deal to begin with, but they can add up to a lot of water waste over time and even more major repair bills if left unchecked for too long. Inspecting your lines early and often is the best way to head off trouble before it starts.
- Let It Be: Sometimes the best thing you can do to save water is just to let things be as they are. Your landscape likely does not need daily watering. Step on the grass and remove your foot. Does it spring back? If it does, it's happy and healthy and not in need of watering. Leave the blade on your lawn mower higher, as well. Longer grass has a deeper root system and is more resistant to drought, weeds, and evaporation. Plus, longer grass tends to look lusher and fuller.
- Leave The Hose Alone: Instead of spraying off driveways, sidewalks, or steps, use a broom and sweep them clean. They'll look nicer and save water in the process.
Indoor Water Tips
It's not just outside where you can save water. There are as many ways to save water inside your house as outside.
Shorter Showers: It may be tempting to stand under the cool water or to shower off every time you get sweaty outside, but each time you step into the shower, you're wasting water. Try to take short showers, and if you can, limit them to once a day.
- Let It Mellow: As the saying goes, if it's yellow, let it mellow. There is no need to flush the toilet every time you go to the bathroom. When was the last time you replaced your toilet? Installing a new, more efficient toilet may also help with water conservation.
- Wash By Hand: If you only have a few dishes in your sink, washing by hand is the more water efficient way to go. Running a dishwasher that is not filled is wasting water.
- Get Your Water Tested: Another way to potentially conserve water is to get your water tested. Do you have hard water that is causing you to have to shower twice as long? Could there be something in your lines that is making them leak? Be proactive and spot problems before they start.
A quick call to your local plumbing company for some extra advice on how to conserve water in the summer heat can save you a big headache and bigger bills down the line. For quality services in your area, call JD Precision Plumbing & Air at (936) 228-5000.
