Nobody in California takes water for granted any more. Or, at least, not if they want to remain on good terms with their neighbors and friends and avoid stiff fines for wasting what is now a very precious commodity. Instead, Californians are getting creative with water conservationWhether you’re already an accomplished water saver or you’re just now getting into the swing of it, we’re betting you could use some more ideas to help you conserve even more. So we’ve compiled this list of 5 ways your fellow residents around the state are doing their part.
1. Going native
Many people are switching from thirsty landscaping, instead installing drought-tolerant plants. Most have figured out that this alternative doesn’t mean you’re stuck with unattractive, heat-absorbing rock or prickly cactus. There are numerous varieties of shrubs and perennials that need little to no water yet provide soft lines, interesting textures and gorgeous blossoms and berries throughout the year.
Bonus: your yard will be the most popular place in the neighborhood for birds, butterflies and happy, humming bees.
2. Losing the lawn
• Believe it or not, some people are spray-painting their now-deceased lawn so the area at least looks green, perhaps in the hope the drought will end someday and their lawn can “go live” again.
• Replacing water-hogging grass with artificial turf has become exponentially more popular in recent years, because for many homeowners this solution offers the best of both worlds. You can dramatically cut your water usage without sacrificing the beautiful curb appeal and play-friendly backyard you’ve worked so hard to create. Faux lawn looks even better surrounded by drought-tolerant plants.
Bonus: most jurisdictions now offer financial incentives to replace your lawn.
3. Taking the plunge
It’s a tough decision to fill in your beloved pool, but one Northern Cal construction company says business has never been better.
4. Recycling household water
You can now buy a hybrid toilet that incorporates a sink into the upper portion of the tank – used water from washing your hands becomes flush water.
• Place a bucket, a bowl or a cup near every sink and in the shower, to collect water that’s usually wasted as you’re waiting for it to heat up. You can use that water to water indoor or outdoor plants.
• Do laundry less often – wearing a shirt twice or leaving the sheets on the bed another couple of days can make a big difference. And be sure to set the water-fill level to match the load size.
• Ditto for the dishwasher. And let it do all the work rather than wasting water on hand-washing dishes. (Or capture that hand-wash “gray” water and give it to your outdoor plants.)
• One landscape contractor reports his customers fear the drastic plight of the state’s farmers will send food prices soaring, so they’re converting traditional landscaping into veggie gardens. You can water veggies with recycled household water or with water-stingy drip irrigation.
• A dirty car may be the ultimate status symbol these days – proving you don’t use the hose or even frequent a car wash (even though they recycle). But here’s the thing: accumulated dirt and grime can damage your car’s exterior. So truly savvy Californians aren’t just watering their garden with recycled household water, they’re using it to give their car a periodic, gentle sponge bath.
5. Making it personal
Some folks are changing their personal hygiene habits to conserve water:
• Three-minute showers (including water heat-up time).
• Cooler showers (if you aren’t tempted to stand there and soak up the heat, you’ll be in and out faster).
• Use hand sanitizer instead of washing your hands so often.
So how ‘bout it? What are your favorite ways to conserve water these days?
