Tag: save water

Save Water in the New Year

Now that we’re into the New Year – are you sticking with your New Year’s Resolutions? While eating healthy, hitting the gym, and losing those holiday pounds are often high on the resolution list – it’s important to remember the importance of saving water. Did you resolve to save more water this year?

If you’re looking for helpful tips and ideas to save water, you’ve come to the right place. WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created an excellent resource to help you stay on track.

January

  • Take the “I’m for Water” pledge and commit to saving water throughout the year. If you’re just starting now, don’t worry! You can take the pledge any time.
  • Learn about how you can reduce water usage by first getting to know your water bill. Are you currently using too much?

February

  • Look into purchasing WaterSense labeled fixtures for your bathroom and kitchen.
  • Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and try reducing your shower time to save even more water.

March

  • Celebrate ‘Fix a Leak Week’ by checking pipes throughout the inside and outside of your house for leaks. Make sure no water is dripping in shower or drain pipes – if it is – be sure to remedy with pipe tape.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is used. Did it change?

April

  • Celebrate Earth Day! Lay mulch around your flowers and plants to prevent evaporation after watering.
  • Only water your lawn when needed.

May

  • April showers bring May flowers! If you’re concerned about keeping your grass and landscaping lush, be sure to check your watering system to ensure no water is being wasted.
  • Do you have an irrigation system? Look for an irrigation professional certified by a WaterSense labeled program to help maximize efficiency.

June

  • Look for rebates should you choose to install WaterSense labeled solutions in your home.

July

  • With high summer temperatures, avoid watering your lawn and plants in the middle of the day. This will reduce quick evaporation of water.

August

  • Happy World Water Week! Celebrate by committing to wash your clothes only if you have a full load.

September

  • Calculate how much you can save by using WaterSense labeled products in your home.
  • Thinking about adding new landscaping to your yard this fall? Research native plants that don’t require a lot of water to survive.

October

  • During Energy Action Month, swap out any inefficient showerheads with ones that release fewer gallons of water per minute.

November

  • Check your toilet for leaks.
  • Consider getting a new WaterSense labeled toilet to reduce water usage by up to 60 percent.

December

  • Be sure to scrape leftover food from your plate into the trash to avoid wasting water rinsing dishes off.
  • Get an early start on your resolutions and take the I’m For Water pledge again!

Are you up for the challenge this year? Making small changes each month can truly make a difference. Help save water this year and every year by committing to using and wasting less today!

Conserve Water and Save Money this Summer

In addition to keeping ourselves cool and hydrated during the summer months, we also have to pay mind to our plants and yards. With excess heat burning down, keeping plants and grass healthy requires a lot more water. Check out six tips for how you can conserve water and save money this summer.
infographic describing six tips to conserve water and save money during the summer months

Please feel free to print and share our 6 Tips to Conserve Water & Save Money Infographic with attribution to Tata & Howard, Inc. A high-resolution pdf can be downloaded by clicking here.

Check For Leaks

Walk around your landscaped area to make sure there are no leaks your watering systems.

Sweep Up Messes

Rather than using a hose to spray a mess away, use a broom to clean patios, decks, and sidewalks.

Mindful Car Washing

Avoid wasting water with a running hose. Instead, fill a soapy bucket with water so you can wash and rinse as need.

Mulch Planted Areas

Mulching flower beds and planted areas can help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Two to three inches of mulch should do the trick.

Timely Watering

Water your lawn and plants early in the morning or later in the evening. This will prevent the water from being quickly evaporated by the sun.

Reuse Rainwater

Collect water in rain barrels so you can later water your outdoor plants without running the hose.
We hope you will consider these tips as you aim to conserve water and save money this summer.

Stormwater Pollution and Lawn Maintenance

During the spring and summer months, stormwater pollution is especially prevalent. Water resulting from precipitation and snow/ice melt either soaks into exposed soil or remains on top of impervious surfaces. As stormwater flows as runoff to nearby waterways, it picks up pollutants including debris, sediment, pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste and more.

A major contributor to stormwater pollution is traced back to residual excess from lawn care maintenance – particularly with fertilizers and lawn clippings.

Check out the five tips below for ways to reduce stormwater pollution when it comes to your lawn maintenance.

 

Please feel free to print and share our Stormwater Pollution and Lawn Maintenance Infographic with attribution to Tata & Howard, Inc. A high-resolution pdf can be downloaded by clicking here.

Use Fertilizer Sparingly

A little goes a long way. Many plants don’t need as much fertilizer or need it as often as you think. Reduce stormwater pollution by minimizing your fertilizer during the spring and summer.

Use Organic, Phosphorous Free Fertilizers

In addition to reducing stormwater pollution with the amount of fertilizer you use, it’s equally important to use the proper type. Organic, phosphorous free fertilizers release nutrients slower and are less detrimental to the environment.

Proper Disposal of Waste

One of the best ways to reduce stormwater pollution is with the proper disposal of lawn waste. Leaves and grass clippings can wash into storm drains, adding unwanted nutrients to streams.

Excess Water

Stop pollutants from making their way into the storm drain by avoiding over-watering as well as fertilizing before a rainstorm.

Cut Down on Water Waste

The average American family uses approximately 300 gallons of water each day, but a lot of that goes to waste.

Learn what you can do at home to reduce the amount of water that is wasted.

Please feel free to print and share our Cut Down on Water Waste Infographic with attribution to Tata & Howard, Inc. A high-resolution pdf can be downloaded by clicking here.