Easy Ways to Save Water

In Arizona, water is a valuable natural resource. Many people who come from the midwest or east coast do not fully understand how to conserve water. When you come from a climate that is green with lots of rain and move to the desert, you are definately in for a shock. There are many things you can do in your house and landscape to conserve water and save on your high water bills. Here are just a few:

• Always water during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler, to minimize evaporation. In Arizona during the summer, you can water at night also.
• Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Choose water-efficient drip irrigation for your trees, srubs, and flowers.
• Don't water on windy days or right after a rain.
• Water deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes. Check out our blog on watering bermuda lawns: Bermuda Lawns
• Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation, promote plant grown, and reduce. If you don't like the look of the mulch, you can cover it up with the gravel in the landscape.
• Install covers on pools and spas to avoid water evaporation.
• Periodically check your pool for leaks if you have an automatic refiling device.
• Evaporative coolers require a seasonal maintenance checkup. For more efficient cooling, check yoiur evaporative cooler annually.
• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill on sink with water and the other with rinse water.
• Use the garbage disposal less often.
• Soak post, pans, and grills before you wash them.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold drinks.
• Check faucets and pipes regularly for leaks.
• Install low-volume toilets and make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets. (Most homes built after 1980 already have these features).
• Plug the bath before you turen on the water, then adjust the temperatures as the tub fills.
• Take shallow baths.