Have you ever stopped to think about how much water you can waste when watering your lawn or gardens? Many people just turn on a sprinkler, let it run for a while, and then turn off the water when they see the water create a small stream in a driveway or pool around plants on top of the soil. In our drought-stricken country, water conservation is an important issue that must be prioritized if we are to ensure an adequate water supply for future generations.
Australia is dry and getting drier due to persistent drought. All concerned citizens should look for ways to personally reduce their water use, and the amount of water used for yard and garden care is a good starting point. Water is no longer a luxury that can be taken for granted.
Green lawns with less water
Thousands of gallons a year can be wasted watering outdoor plants and gardens. Many homeowners don’t really understand how careless watering practices can lead to unnecessary water use. That precious commodity called water needs to be protected in every way possible and simply changing a few irrigation procedures can result in big water savings.
There are many reasons why lawn watering can lead to sewage. One of the biggest wasters of water is overwatering your lawn. You only need to water your lawn until the soil is moist about 6 to 8 inches down. That’s deep enough for grass and plant roots to access the water you’re supplying. When you see puddles of water on the ground or around plants, the water is being wasted.
Another typical way water is wasted when caring for outdoor plants is watering when it is windy or hot. It is estimated that you can lose up to 50% of your water due to evaporation of water from sprinklers on a windy day. So much water can be lost to evaporation on a hot day. To avoid wasting water due to evaporation, you can water in the early morning or late afternoon.
Choose your plantations wisely
When deciding which plants or grasses to plant, it’s important to keep in mind that certain varieties require less water than others. In Australia, you should try to plant native plants and drought resistant grasses. These plants are acclimatized to the dry conditions typical of Australia.
When Australians plant non-native plants, the plants often require additional irrigation to maintain them. This wastes water that could have been conserved. You can also help the soil retain water by placing mulch around them to prevent evaporation. Also, when planting lawns and decorative plants, you should try to develop areas where individual watering events can handle a large amount of area. If you spread out your plantings, it will require much more water than it should. You should also avoid planting grass in small areas that require special watering care.
Other common ways water is wasted include watering when it’s not really needed and leaving sprinklers running too long.
Installing an underground water storage tank can allow you to have a constant supply of recycled rainwater for your outdoor irrigation needs. But even with a recycling tank, it is important to minimize water consumption in order to maintain the garden.