Living in an arid climate like we do here in Colorado makes water efficiency and best management practices very important for residents and businesses. There are many ways to ensure water is being managed efficiently and we all play a part in these efforts. Here are a few ways to help save water around your house and workplace:
Tips for saving water and improving water quality outdoors:
- Instead of power washing your driveway, sidewalks, walkways, patios, etc. try a broom to sweep up debris. Spot treat as needed and be sure to collect the wash water.
- Implement native and drought tolerant plants around your yard which decreases the amount of irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers needed. Native plants also promote more pollinators!
- Check your sprinklers! Water runoff carries dirt and other pollutants to storm drains, which flow directly to local waterways without treatment.
- Water lawns early in the morning or later at night. Also, implement the cycle and soak watering method, which means watering different zones for 5 minutes at a time, letting the water soak in for 30-40 minutes, then repeating once or twice as needed.
- Adjust sprinklers to avoid overspray and unnecessary runoff. When water runs off your grass the products applied to lawns often end up in nearby streams and harm aquatic life. Stormwater runoff collects litter, pesticides, fertilizers, and other pollutants from our homes and businesses and carries it straight to local waterways untreated.
For more information on best management practices for landscaping take a look at this pamphlet.
Keep it Clean Partnership also developed these potential social media posts: