Do Your Part for Water Conservation

Everyone knows we have two seasons in Miami- rainy season and dry season. Even in the middle of rainy season, though, Miami residents are keenly aware of the importance of water conservation. Draughts occur regularly in the dry season and everything from drinking water to landscape maintenance can be affected.

As of Spring 2007, Miami Dade County is under a water emergency and the government imposed Water Use Restrictions. There are things you can do in any weather to help the conservation effort. If every resident were to consider these tips, draughts would be over sooner and perhaps not at all. Here are some tips for indoors and out to help keep the water flowing.

Indoors

-- One of the most important things you can do is to check your faucets for leaks and drips. If your faucet drips one drop per second, you could be losing thousands of gallons a year! Check for unknown leaks by recording your water meter reading. After two hours of not using water (no washing machines, dishwashers, toilets flushing, ice machines or other hidden culprits) the reading should be exactly the same. If it isn’t, there’s a leak somewhere.

-- Another place leaks go unnoticed is toilet bowls. Check for a leak in your tank by placing food coloring or other dyes into the tank. If you have not flushed after thirty minutes and there is color in the bowl, there is a leak in your toilet.

-- There are many products on the market today to help lessen water usage. Consider purchasing faucet aerators or flow restrictors, low-flow or flow reducing shower heads, or low-flow toilets.

-- Avoid running the water unnecessarily. Don’t leave the water running while you brush your teeth or shave. Leave a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator so you don’t have to run the water to make it cold. Insulate your water pipes so it doesn’t take as long to heat the water for showers.

-- When using either an electric dishwasher or washing machine, run only when there is a full load to wash. Wash on the coolest and shortest possible settings.

Outdoors

-- Water your lawn only every third day. Green grass does not need additional water. If your grass needs water you will notice a black tinge on the edges of the blades. Grass that is watered at this point will return to its green immediately when watered. Watering less will help the grass produce deeper, draught-resistant roots.

-- Water during the most productive times. 65% of water put on the grass during sunlight hours will evaporate from the blades of grass and not be absorbed. This water also acts as a magnifying glass and will scorch the grass.

-- Cut your grass at the highest setting on your lawnmower. Taller grass holds water better.

-- Adjust your sprinklers to make sure that only grass is being watered. Make sure no water is hitting the house, sidewalk or street.

-- Use the principles of xeriscape landscaping. This method encourages using mulch around the base of plants to hold in moisture, grouping plants together according to watering needs and amount of sunlight needed, and using native plants that tend to be more draught resistant. Your nursery can help you design a garden perfect for your needs.

-- Clean your driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of the hose.

-- Wash your cars with a bucket of soapy water, using a hose with a shut-off valve for the final rinse.

No matter how small, you can make a difference. If each person did just one thing a day to help conserve water, draughts would be something to avoid instead of fearing. Get started today!