In areas where drought conditions are prevalent, water restrictions are often put in place to help conserve this precious natural resource. With large companies, municipalities and residential areas using large quantities of water, it is important for everyone to do their part when it comes to saving water. From washing their dog to installing artificial turf, homeowners are learning many new ways to prevent water waste.
Restricted Activities
Restrictions are put on activities that many of us tend to take for granted. A few of the more common include:
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Giving dogs and other pets baths
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Watering the lawn
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Washing cars
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Filling swimming pools
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Operating fountains or decorative ponds
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Power washing homes and drives
While many of these activities do not use a large amount of water, when drought conditions are present even the slightest amount of waste can cause shortages. A few of the activities have alternatives that allow homeowners the benefit of maintaining some semblance of normalcy. One is the installation of artificial turf. By replacing natural grass with artificial grass, a homeowner can keep their lawn looking beautiful all year long without having to water or maintain it.
Water restrictions in the state of California are so strict that the first violation can cost as much as $500. Tickets are issued by local law enforcement agencies and individuals who continually violate the water conservation ordinances can actually receive jail time if they do not cease their activities. While the restrictions vary from area to area, state mandated water usage guidelines are in place to protect the state's water supply. Each city and count are expected to enforce the restrictions that are imposed in their areas.
Saving Water With Artificial Turf
With artificial turf, a homeowner can save water in a variety of ways. The main way artificial grass conserves water is that it doesn't need it to thrive. An occasional sprinkling with the hose to knock down any dust is all that is needed to keep the grass looking vibrantly green all year long. Because it needs no water, there is no growth and the need for constant maintenance is eliminated.
Another way artificial lawns conserve water is the drainage systems that are used. Most lawns are created with an intricate drainage system built in so that any water that falls on the ground is immediately filter though and drain away. When properly laid out, a lawn made with artificial turf has no dips or valleys where water can collect and become stagnant. Instead the water is allowed to flow away from the lawn to the nearest ditch, drain or sewage system where it can re-enter the eco-system.
Activities that may appear on the list, such as bathing the family dog, filling a swimming pool and creating garden ponds, may be overlooked if the homeowner does not go to extremes. One way to avoid getting a fine for bathing a family pet is to take it to a groomer and allow them to bathe and trim them. This prevents the wasting of water because the groomer has the facilities to bathe the animal in a controlled environment. Dogs can be rather rambunctious during a bath and can cause the homeowner to use more water than is necessary. A groomer can bathe the dog in a relatively short amount of time and not use an excessive amount of water.
Saving water during periods of drought is everyone's responsibility. Every homeowner is expected to do their part by eliminating wasteful activities. If you do not know what type of restrictions are in effect in your area, call your local weather service or Department of Natural Resources. Either place can tell you what conditions are prevalent and provide you with a list of activities that can be performed without receiving a violation or ticket for the misuse of water.
