Conserving Water Around the Yard
When the rain falls, plants and soil absorb water and help recharge groundwater supplies. Due to the amount of surface area society has paved over for homes, shopping centers, parking lots, and roads, rainwater or snowmelt now picks up all the pollutants in its path, including oil, pet waste, and fertilizers from the impervious surfaces and runs off into the nearest waterway, degrading water quality and closing beaches. Capturing water where it falls and following the EPA’s advice to “slow it down, spread it out, and soak it in,” can help improve local water quality. You can be part of the clean water solution by adopting these practices around your yard.
Capturing Stormwater and Water Conservation
- Use rain barrels. Rain barrels are usually 55-gallon drums that collect rainwater from the roof. This water can be used to water lawns and other plants when it is not raining. It also slows down the effects of runoff, helping to prevent flooding by allowing water to slowly reenter the ground water supplies.
- Install rain gardens and swales. Rain gardens and swales also slow the effects of runoff and allow more water recharge into the ground. These landscaping feature help to prevent flooding and keep your property moist and healthy
- Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of washing with a hose.
- Mow high. Leave longer grass blades (at least 3 inches). If the grass clippings are not too heavy, leave them on the lawn for fertilizer. This practice allows the grass to absorb more water. It also slows the speed of runoff, preventing your water from being wasted and contributing to flood control during heavy storms.
Watering the Yard
- Water only after sunset or early in the morning. Watering in the morning will minimize unwanted fungus growth.
- Plants with mulch around them need less water. A shallow ditch around trees and garden plants will help collect and direct water to the roots.
- Water infrequently, but deeply and slowly. Let the grass dry out between applications.
- Sprinklers that emit a fine spray allow too much water to evaporate.
- Water on cool days.
Updeted by seckel 3/15/10