As we head into the summer months, the statewide conversation about California’s drought picks up. And most people want to do their fair share to protect one of our most precious resources. You’ve probably heard the standard tips to conserve water: turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and take shorter showers. And those are definitely important!
But to help us all do even more to save water in the dry months ahead, here are a few extra water conservation tips:
Water early or late
If you’ve still got a green lawn, it might be time to consider going to artificial turf or moving instead to a more native plant-based landscape. As a bonus, you’ll save quite a bit on your water bill! If you want help rethinking how your yard could function with less water while still looking stunning, we recommend checking out Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Gardens program.
All this said, even native plants might require the occasional watering. And while you might think to water in the heat of the day, don’t act on it right then. If you water while the sun is high, a lot of that water will evaporate before your plants can drink it up. Instead, try to water in the early mornings or toward dusk, when the weather is cooler. This gives the water more time to soak down into your soil instead of burning up under the sun’s rays.
Layer on some mulch
Speaking of landscaping, consider adding some mulch around the base of any trees and bushes and throughout your garden beds. This will protect the soil beneath from the sun, helping it retain more water so you don’t need to give your plants as much to drink.
Check for leaks
You don’t need to be a plumber to find out if your house or apartment has a water leak hiding somewhere. Check your water meter and notate its current reading. Then, for at least two hours, don’t use any water in your house. It can be easiest to check the meter right before you’re heading out for a while. Just make sure no dishwashers, washing machines, sprinklers, or any other water-using systems are scheduled to run.
Then, when you get back, check your water meter again. If the reading isn’t exactly what it was when you left, you probably have a hidden leak somewhere on your property. Household leaks waste tens of thousands of gallons of water each year — and you’re paying for that water, so you might as well get it fixed.
Use your dishwasher
It might seem contrary that running a water-based appliance is a good way to conserve water, but using your dishwasher actually consumes less H2O than washing your dishes by hand. If you’ve got a dishwasher, get in the habit of using it as much as possible. Just make sure you’re running full loads.
Turn down refills
If you’re dining out, consider how much water you want to drink. If you know you’re wrapping up your meal, decline the refill to your glass of water. You’re saving all of that water from going down the drain when you leave.
Our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center thanks you for doing your part to help conserve water this summer!
