How to Save Water/Energy Outdoors
During the summer, outdoor water use accounts for over 50% of all residential water consumption in many regions of the United States, while in more arid regions it can be as much as 80% of total water use*. Even areas of the U.S. that have high levels of annual precipitation consume large amounts of water for outdoor irrigation during dry, summer months. It has been estimated that the typical household over-waters by 30%-300% and can save 30,000 gallons of water per year by adopting more efficient outdoor watering practices.*
Photo by Vitodens
Most outdoor water use occurs in the dry seasons when surface water flow are crucial to sustaining our natural water systems. Outdoor water use is a primary factor driving peak demand. Many water providers switch to more energy intensive auxiliary sources when water demand peaks during the summer months, resulting in higher levels of carbon emissions for every gallon of water you use.
There are many low-cost, practical ways to reduce your outdoor water use. You can customize your water conservation strategy by applying the principals of “reduce, reuse and recycle”. Your first option should be to reduce the size of irrigated lawns and plant grasses and perennial species native to your area. These generally require less irrigation than non-native grasses and flowers. Look for ways to improve the efficiency of your lawn and garden irrigation system and adjust watering practices to minimize over-watering.
Photo by Dark Sevier
In some locations you may be able to reuse and recycle water by installing gray-water collection systems or harvesting rooftop runoff with rainbarrels. Finally, look for opportunities to participate in local irrigation districts that provide secondary water supplies for homeowners and don’t rely on treated drinking water. Each of these strategies can greatly reduce the amount of water and energy you consume as part of your municipal water system.
Rain gardens and xeriscaping are landscaping techniques that help you save water and energy,and create a beautiful, low-maintenance yard. Click on one of the links below for more information on these great ways to start saving water and energy.
For a guide published by the EPA on how to design your yard to use water more efficiently, click here (PDF 1.65 MB).
For 49 ways to save water outdoors from American Water and Energy Savers, click here.
To visit the EPA's website for more information on outdoor water use and helpful tips on reducing your outdoor water consumption, click here.
For the AWWA's comprehensive collection of helpful resources on reducing outdoor water consumption, click here.
