July is Smart Irrigation Month, an initiative sponsored by the Irrigation Association designed to promote efficient water use and share simple ways to save money and water.
This initiative has particular importance for the entire Chicagoland area. In separate studies, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the University of Illinois' Illinois Water Survey project that
a long-term water shortage may affect the region as water supplies fail to keep up with population growth. Experts say the area is losing water not just because of consumption, but also due to engineering and aging infrastructure.
What can homeowners do to conserve water and make an impact? Here are some of the top tips:
OUTDOOR WATER CONSERVATION -
Replace downspouts with rain barrels to collect rain water for watering
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Install an automatic sprinkler system to reduce waste from over watering, evaporation and run-off
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Maintain, adjust and inspect existing sprinkler systems regularly
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Choose grass or plants with low water requirements, especially native plants
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Aerate your lawn and around trees once a year to improve water penetration
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Mulch well around plants, bushes and trees to reduce evaporation
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Water only when needed -- saturate root zones and let the soil dry
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Plant a rain garden
HOW TO SAVE WATER INDOORS -
Update faucets and shower heads and test for leaks. Modern fixtures can be two and three times more efficient than what was being used just two decades ago (pre-1994).
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Get rid of the top-loading washing machine. Switching from a top-loader to a front-loader can result in water savings of 12 gallons per wash load. On average, that's a per-household savings of 4,433 gallons a year. Energy Star ratings don't include water use; when buying, go for a low Water Factor.
