saving water... one gallon at a time

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Rain Harvesting

• › How Much Rain Can I Collect In a Year?
• › Can I Save Money By Harvesting Rainwater?
• › A List of 20 Easy Ways to Save Water
• › Why Harvest Rainwater?

A List of 20 Easy Ways to Save Water

1. There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.
2. When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
3. Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
4. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
5. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
6. Choose shrubs and groundcover instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
7. Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
8. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
9. Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
10. For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
11. Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks. (Got a leaky faucet? Check out this website to see how much it may be costing you.
12. Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
13. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
14. Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
15. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
16. If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the shower head with a water-efficient model.
17. Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
18. If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
19. We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
20. If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.