Household
Managing and conserving water resources in our homes is a very important aspect of water management. The American Water Works Association has tips for both indoor and outdoor conservation that are simple to integrate.
Colorado State University Extension also has a useful fact sheet for household water conservation. It discusses simple things that can be done to help conserve water. They suggest things like using low-flow plumbing fixtures throughout the house, only washing clothes when there is a full load, utilizing mulch for garden bedding, and using plants and grasses that are local to the climate you reside in.
Other items to consider around the house focus on enhancing drinking water, lawn and garden planning, and landscape irrigation. Incorporating these suggestions into your household will not only conserve water but can also save you money.
Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping around homes and businesses that uses a limited amount of water. If you've ever been to Arizona, you've probably noticed that instead of grass lawns, many people cover their yards with decorative rocks and low water use plants. These lawns use little or no water but are still attractive. Many people across the country are using this technique to reduce their water use. You can still plant grass, shrubs, and trees using the xeriscaping method. The key is to use only as much water as the plants need, and to choose landscaping designs and plants that make the best use of available rainfall.
SAHRA (Sustainability of Semi-Arid Hydrology and Riparian Areas) provides an interactive web page with comprehensive information on ways to conserve water in your home and save money on water bills. The site is specific to the semi-arid southwestern United States. It includes explanations of the importance of water conservation and a searchable database of conservation resources. Click on the house below to go directly to the interactive house page.
Courtesy of SAHRA