Dirt Therapy: When it Comes to Saving Water, Just Think About it

The situation is getting dire and California needs everyone on board

By Marianne, Taylor

Is there anyone in California that doesnt know were in a drought? Has the media told you over and over that the drought police are coming? Its looking pretty serious with the water warnings. As of July 15, 2014, new state rules were passed cracking down on water waste.

Weve been informed that residents, businesses and public entities will face daily fines up to $500. The infractions include: washing driveways and sidewalks; watering ornamental landscaping or turf with potable water that causes runoff; using a hose to wash a motor vehicle, unless the hose is outfitted with a nozzle; and using potable water in a fountain, unless the water is recirculated.

Im not sure who the drought police are but I do know that I do not want to wait to have an infraction if I can make simple changes in my daily life in and around my home.

Do your part. Starting today, use less water.

Time your showers to two minutesthe Navy way, get wet, soap up, wash off. While youre at it, add a bucket in your shower and collect water to use on your plants.

Even without a turf lawn, you can put together a beautiful, water-wise yard using native plants, perennial grasses and ground cover. Photo by Marianne Taylor

Calculate how much landscape water youre actually using. Recently, I saw my husband staring at his watch while he was filling a five gallon bucket full of water. I asked him, What are you doing? Washing your car? No, he said, Im figuring out how much water we use hand watering our plants. Turns out, it costs us about $3 to water for 30 minutes. Knowing this information is essential to getting in control of our water bills and water use.

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Dirt Therapy: When it Comes to Saving Water, Just Think About it