- Author: Brenda Altman
Household water-saving tips!
Recently Governor Gavin Newsom declared: “I have no patience for climate-change deniers. It's inconsistent with the reality on the ground, the facts.” The evidence is in, there is too much Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere. The CO2 acts as a blanket and keeps solar radiation in the atmosphere which normally would reflect back to space from escaping. As gardeners and landscapers, we will have higher temperatures and fluctuations in weather patterns. Higher temperatures equal more water for your garden. A recent blog here focused on using water efficiently by using drip irrigation. If you haven't installed drip irrigation this is a good “to do” project for the fall.
In addition to drip irrigation, you can use less household water or recycle it. Reuse of household water commonly called “gray-water” can run from the simple to the complex. I myself recycle shower water to flush the toilets. You can use less water by showering efficiently by turn off the water when you soap up. There are more complex versions of a “gray-water” systems which divert rinse water from your washing machine for reuse. Materials and classes on the installation of this system are available from the Urban Farmer Stores in San Francisco, Mill Valley, and Richmond. Go to their website: https://urbanfarmerstore.com for more information. The same-store also has large storage tanks that can capture rainfall water. Of course, each innovation on water storage and recycling of water requires some maintenance. Water left outside in tanks are susceptible to mosquito infestation; check the storage during mosquito season to see if the screens are working and there are no mosquitos present. You can prevent mosquito larvae in standing water with “mosque dunks” Below a 205-gallon storage tank.
Another big water saver is replacing your lawn with a water-wise drought-tolerant landscape. This may include drought-tolerant plants like succulents. Check your local nurseries for suitable plants. The Master Gardeners have a succulent sale every year. There also may be incentives from your local County Water Agency to replace your lawn. Check your county Water agency for details. Below are two examples I found on the web:
“The Sacramento County Water Agency (SCWA) is providing this voluntary program to rebate qualifying residential and commercial customers for converting existing grass/turf with native and drought-tolerant landscaping. “
“The Solano County Water Agency is offering water customers an incentive to replace your lawn with water-efficient landscaping and receive $1.00 per square foot, up to $1000 maximum. Please read the 2020-2021 Terms and Conditions before you remove your lawn.”
There are many other incentive programs for turf removal offered. Do a quick “Google” search “lawn removal incentives”
Be water-wise, save money, save your garden, and be well. Wear a mask!