more suggestions on how to save water outdoors … see my previous blog for more outdoor tips …

gardens — herbs, fruit trees, vegetables, & other edibles …

* select plants that are native to your area or at least adapted to your growing zone … if in doubt, consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings …

* organize your garden using the principles of companion planting … for more tips, see this and this website …

* water your garden early in the morning or in the evening when the sun’s heat is less intense … this will minimize water evaporation as well as decrease the number of insects grazing on your plants …

* plant, and regularly nourish, your garden with organic mulch (i.e., finished compost) to improve moisture retention, supply nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil, and support the soil ecosystem of beneficial microorganisms, worms, and other important critters …

* water your plants deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance …

* use drip irrigation to hydrate fruit trees … this will ensure water reaches the roots rather than the leaves and bark …

*  place ice cubes under the moss or soil in hanging baskets, planters and pots to keep your plants cool, hydrated, and to prevent water overflow …

* avoid using chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers …

cleaning …

* minimize the number of times you wash your car …

* when washing your car, use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while the water is not in use … you can save up to 400 litres (100 gallons) with each car wash!

* avoid commercial car washes when possible, because these operations typically squander vast amounts of water polluted with unnecessary chemicals …

wash your own car when you can, and use biodegradable soaps, especially if you live in an area where water run off and raw sewage is diverted directly to freshwater or ocean water systems without prior filtering …

* if you do use a commercial car wash, visit one that recycles water …

* avoid using water pressure to clean surfaces when scrubbing or sweeping will do … if you need to clean a surface, use enough water to moisten the area and then wipe with a cloth, scrub with a brush, or sweep to remove stubborn stains and large particles … avoid substituting water pressure for physical labour …

pools, ponds, & fountains …

* if you have a pool or hot tub, install a cover to minimize water evaporation …

* regularly check for, and repair, leaks around water pumps … one way to check is to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer with a grease pencil … if there is an appreciable decrease in water level 24 hours later, you likely have a leak …

* when backflushing your pool, use the water for cleaning surfaces …

* equip your swimming pool, fountain, and pond with recirculating pumps …

* choose a trickling or cascading fountain over a spraying or misting fountain to minimize loss of water to evaporation and wind dispersal …

* if you have a pond, try to mimick the natural local environment to provide habitat for local wildlife, including local plants …

recreation …

* avoid purchasing and using recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water …

* if your children want to cool down by running through the sprinklers, place the sprinkler in an area on your lawn that needs to be watered … use the least amount of water pressure, and avoid fine mists or light sprays as the water will evaporate or be blown away quickly without actually watering your lawn …

miscellaneous …

* if possible, install pipes to re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than discharge into the sewer system … check laws and regulations with your municipality …

* wash your pets outdoors on a thirsty lawn … make sure you use biodegradable, non-toxic soap (e.g., castille soap) …