Courtesy of Water – Use It Wisely
In Arizona, water conservation benefits the entire state. Conserving water around your home is a great way to do your part while saving you money! Although you may be a drop, your actions create a ripple. Check out these tips from Water – Use It Wisely (WUIW) for easy ways to save water this summer and all year round!
1. Leaks, Leaks Everywhere: Toilets leak, irrigation systems leak, faucets leak, swimming pools leak. It all adds up. ‘Nuff said!
FACT: An average household wastes nearly 10,000 gallons of water each year due to leaks.
2. Keep Your Landscape from Soaking You: Up to 70% of household water use occurs outdoors – especially for lush landscapes and swimming pools. Check out Water — Use It Wisely’s online resource for tips on xeriscaping, efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, pool maintenance, and more.
FACT: A swimming pool evaporates its entire water volume in one year – about 20,000 gallons.
3. Know & Compare: Are you using the right amount of water at home? Discover the ideal water usage for your household by using a home water calculator app and see how it compares with your actual usage.
FACT: Research has found that customers using auto bill payments consume more energy and water than those who do not.
4. Cash In on Water Savings: Discover amazing rebates for water-efficient toilets, grass removal, and more. Visit the WUIW link below to find out if you qualify for these fantastic savings.
FACT: A few hundred to thousands of dollars may be available for grass removal. HOAs and commercial properties can qualify for $50,000 or more.
5. Landscapes That Thrive: Xeriscape design and low-water-use plants can create stunning results! Transform your yard with a gorgeous, low-maintenance, desert-friendly xeriscape that offers colorful blooms, shady spots, and a habitat for butterflies and hummingbirds.
FACT: Converting your lawn into a xeriscape will reduce your water consumption by half and save thousands of gallons of water each year.
6. Harvest Your Rainwater: Why pay for water when it’s free? Despite our limited rainfall, it’s still worth it. Rainwater harvesting can be as simple as directing runoff to basins around your plants or collecting it in a rain barrel. More complex water distribution systems may include gutters, storage tanks, and pumps.
FACT: The rooftop of a typical home can collect 500 gallons of water from ½-inch of rain.
7. It Just Makes WaterSense: Discover the power of water-efficient fixtures with the exclusive “WaterSense” label. These items will use at least 20% less water than the federal requirements without sacrificing performance. It’s a brilliant choice for your wallet and the planet!
FACT: The WaterSense label can be found on showerheads, faucets, toilets, irrigation controllers, homes, and more.
8. Don’t Water the Gutter: Keep an eye out for misdirected or broken sprinklers and runoff from excessive watering — it’s a common sight in neighborhoods everywhere. Fix broken sprinklers as needed, and position your sprinklers so that the water lands exactly where it should.
FACT: A broken sprinkler head can lose 12 gallons of water per minute or more.
Eager to dive into the specifics? Find useful tips along with relevant links and detailed information at wateruseitwisely.com/green-living.
