Tips to conserve water indoors and out

By Jennifer S. McDonald
C & G Staff Writer

Finding ways to save water can seem tricky, especially during the sweltering months of summer, but incorporating small changes over time can make a difference for the environment and your bank account.

According to Melissa Damaschke, representative for the Sierra Club for the Great Lakes Region, it’s important to think outside the box when it comes to examining ways to reduce water usage.

“We do have the Great Lakes here, and it’s a great resource and an incredible asset to our state, but there are a lot of areas within our own country that do not have water readily available right now,” Damaschke said. “We need to show people we know how to take care of our resources and protect it for future generations.”

Inside the home, something as simple as fixing a leaky faucet can be the difference in thousands of gallons of water wasted and hundreds of dollars saved.

Toilets use the most water in a home and a leaky one can waste up to 100 gallons of water each day. Damaschke suggests putting several drops of red food coloring into a toilet tank. If there is a leak, the coloring will be visible in the bowl. If a toilet was installed before 1992, add a toilet dam to reduce the amount of water flowing out of it by 35 percent, or replace it with a low-flush model.

It’s also important to monitor shower length. Since water expelled from a showerhead is the second-biggest water hog, it’s recommended people limit showers to five minutes or less. It’s also helpful to install low-flow showerheads, which dispense less than three gallons per minute.

In the kitchen, try to use as little water you can when washing dishes or cleaning food. It’s recommended to only use the dishwasher when it’s full because they use up to 15 gallons of water per use. Thaw foods in the microwave instead of running them under water. You can also soak pots and pans rather than scrubbing them under running water.

In terms of kitchen hardware, it’s beneficial to install a low-flow faucet and aerator. Aerators reduce the amount of water by two gallons per minute, but add air to keep the flow lively. An instant water heater can help save water as well, since you don’t need to run the water until it’s warm. The same goes for cool water — keep a pitcher.

“As we know, Michigan is going through some tough times right now, so saving water is not only good for our Great Lakes, but also protects your wallet,” Damaschke said.

Hundreds of gallons of water can be saved by instituting new habits for the lawn and garden.

According to Lillian Dean, the coordinator for healthy lawns and gardens through the Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority, many people believe they have to water their lawn each day to keep it healthy and green, but that actually can weaken your lawn and waste water.

It’s important to water your grass as little as possible, Dean said, which promotes a strong root system. To avoid excess evaporation, water in the early morning or evening, she added.

“Things that are fun to think about are the ways to make your landscape green while conserving water,” Dean said. “There are so many things we can do to keep our plants alive and healthy without waste.”

To determine if a lawn needs a good watering, Dean said, walk across it. If a footprint is seen in the grass, it’s time to water. She also recommends setting a tuna or cat food can out when watering. When the can is about an inch full, the lawn has been watered enough. Most grasses only need one inch of water every seven to 10 days, she said. Sprinklers that throw big drops of water close the ground are best, since smaller drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.

“We suggest you keep your grass 2 1/2 inches long,” Dean said. “Some people cut their grass too short, and they’re not too careful with fertilization and it can brown up on them.”

A layer of mulch or compost around trees and plants can also be beneficial. Chunks of bark, peat moss or gravel slow down evaporation.

“Compost absorbs about 120 percent of its weight in water,” Dean said. “We want healthy soils. With compost added, that also helps save water.”

Dean also recommends that automatic sprinkler systems be turned off when it’s raining or has recently rained. If an automatic sprinkler system is used, it’s important to make sure it’s not watering sidewalks, driveways or streets. Make sure the sprinkler heads are in good condition and the system has no leaks.

Covering swimming pools also helps cut down on excess evaporation. Pool covers save up to 90 percent of water lost to evaporation.

“We all have this footprint of impact on the Earth, water and air,” Dean said. “What we all need to do is look at what we’re doing in our daily lives that might have some connection. We need to make sure we pay attention to the water we’re using whenever we turn on the irrigation system, if we’re in the bathtub or anything else.”

You can reach Staff Writer Jennifer S. McDonald at jmcdonald@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1112.