Much of our water bill is directly relate to our water use in the kitchen and bathroom. Here are some tips to lower our water usage and our cost. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) a family of four uses 400 gallons of water every day and this amount can increase depending on location.
Below are some ways that you can save money on your water bill, by chosing proper landscaping techniques.
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Building on an east-west axis with glass area minimized on walls with maximum solar exposure will decrease energy demands for cooling, particularly when combined with proper placement of shade producing plants.
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Incorporate existing trees when locating structures and powerlines, so that you can allow room for them to grow if they are not at mature size.
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Place erosion control devices such as haybales or erosion control fencing in all areas where construction disturbs the soil. (These devices will help prevent the loss of topsoil during rainfall, when soil can be washed downstream causing site losses and non-point-source pollution. This will also lower your storm water run off, saving you money on your storm water tax portion of your water bill.
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Shredded mulch which tends to form a mat should be used in sloping areas, as it tends to wash out less than other types. The use of mulches on sloped areas along with terracing and plantings can help prevent runoff and erosion problems. The depth of mulch needed will depend on the type you use. As a general rule, the coarser the material, the deeper it should be applied. A 3 to 4 inch layer of bark mulch should be sufficient. You will want to reapply the mulch as it decomposes.
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Many native plants are well adapted to the natural soil and rainfall conditions and have protection mechanisms that cause them to go dormant during periods of stress. They can appear brown during periods of low moisture, but will turn green again when temperatures improve and it rains.
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Avoid planting grass on sloping areas. Sloping areas are difficult to mow and difficult to water without runoff. Use alternate, native low growing ground cover.
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Use low flow irrigation techniques. Drip irrigation systems are ideal for watering plants in beds and gardens.
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Irrigate in the coolest part of the day (early mornings and evenings) to avoid evaporation loss and wind drift. Be careful of nightime watering, as this can encourage disease in plants.
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Wet the soil to a depth of five or six inches, and allow it to dry out between waterings. As a home owner, if you see that your shrubs are beginning to droop and your grass is flat and leavinv footprints when it is walked on, then you know it is time to water your lawn and surrounding plants. As a general rule, during the growing season most grass needs about one inch of water per week. Remember that this will vary depending on the type of soil you have as well as the depth of your plants, the sun, plant conditions, and rainfall occurrence.
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Yard waste can be recycled into high-quality compost which minimizes the load on landfills and encourages wise resource use.
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Never mow lawns too short. (Proper mowing heights can help lawns use less water. Grass cut too short is stressed and dries out quickly.) Recommended Mowing Heights: Bermuda 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches ; St. Augustine 2 to 3 inches; Buffalo Grass 3 to 4 inches ; Zoysia 2 inches
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If you can determine how much water your plants actually need, then you won't overwater them and waste water. It is important to not only understand a plant's particular watering requirements, but also evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration is the amount of water that is evaporated from the soil and transpired through the plant's leaves. This amount of water needs to be replaced through watering. If you know your area's Et rate, you can plan the amount of water to be replaced through irrigation. You can call your local water district or cooperative extension service and ask about your Et rate.
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