Water conservation sounds like something to be argued by environmentalist and politicians. However, I think we’d all agree that saving water is good for everyone. But why? Why should we save water in the first place?

Saving water does a couple of things. First and foremost, it just makes good economic sense. The less water you consume, the more money you save each month. This may seem kind of obvious, but there are some who believe water should be wasted because it is so relatively cheap to use. Compared to gasoline and this may be true, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t all try to be as economical as possible with the resource. The consumer can save money when they use water wisely.

Second, water is a resource. Like any other resource, it’s availability fluctuates season to season and region to region. In Texas for instance, water restrictions may be placed on the consumer one year, but not the next. California, however, has restrictions all year round for many years now. Florida, which you would think is awash in water, also has some restrictions placed on its use. Even in a place like Vancouver B.C., water is a topic of conservation among consumers and political leaders.

So lets discuss a couple of easy ways the average person can save water each and every year.

To begin with, it is estimated that outdoor water use accounts for between 50-70% of all household water use. This is an amazing detail. Our desire to water our lawns and gardens creates a burden on our watershed. So try these simple ideas to save water.

1. Install a water barrel (aka: rain barrel) – this collects run-off water and is collected in 55 gallon plastic barrels. You then attach a hose to the spigot at the bottom of the barrel and presto – you’ve got water for your garden. These are great because they’re still relatively inexpensive and can be put into use within 1 afternoon. Impress your family and friends with an eco-friendly water barrel or two expertly located around your house.

2. Plant flowers and other flora that doesn’t require as much water. You don’t have to have a cactus garden, but stick with plants that occur naturally in your area. These plants have adapted to the climate and rainfall experienced in your region. Independent nurseries are an excellent resource to help you make quality selections that will thrive in the local environment.

3. Don’t preset your underground lawn irrigation system, except when you go on vacation. Otherwise, use it only on an as needed basis. Set it to activate only when you know it is needed. Then ensure a deep watering for lawns to stimulate effective root growth. Shallow watering frequently does not help you to grow a healthy lawn and will require you to use more water in the long run.

4. Also, do not cut your lawn too low. This causes the soil to dry out quicker.

5. Make sure you don’t have any leaky faucets in or outside your house. You’d be truly amazed at how much water is wasted by a leaky faucet.

So here are a few tips to keeping your garden green and your wallet full, or at least a little more full. Water conservation isn’t that difficult. Pick one or two of these ideas to start with. Like I said, it only takes a couple of hours on a Saturday to get your rain barrels up and running. Simply go online to get a 55 gallon water barrel or 55 gallon plastic drum and you’re half way there.

Tim Frymyer is an amateur ecologist who wants to help people save money, while saving the environment at the same time. Visit his website 55gallonwaterbarrel.com to get what you need today. He also has helpful instructions on how to build your own rain barrel from scratch. Good luck and enjoy your rain barrels.

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