Water conservation is not just for drought! Maryland has experienced some
exceptionally dry periods during the past several years, and the word drought
has brought out the water conservationist in all of us. It’s important to
remember that water conservation is not just for times of water shortage.
Sound water use practices reduce the amount of stress that we place on
our resources, both by limiting water withdrawals and by decreasing wastewater
discharges.
Conserving water reduces wear and tear on major infrastructure
such as water and wastewater treatment plants and the distribution systems
that deliver water to consumers, and can postpone or eliminate the need for
making major investments in new infrastructure. Using less water helps us to
become more flexible during times when there is a water shortage. Conserving
water is simple and inexpensive!
How To Save Water Outside The Home
Watering of lawns and gardens can double normal household water use
during the hot, dry summer months. At standard household water pressures,
a garden hose will discharge up to 10 gallons of water per minute. To apply
an inch of water to 1,000 square feet of lawn or garden requires close to
1,000 gallons of water.
Watering should be limited to gardens, and newly planted lawns and landscaped
areas. Established lawns and landscape plantings will usually survive without
watering. Inadequate watering encourages shallow root growth and increases
the risk of mortality. When water is scarce, your community or individual water
supply should be reserved for your most essential needs.
* Equip your hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
* Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, steps and sidewalks.
* Water your garden during the coolest part of the day. Do not water on
windy days.
* Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduce evaporation from the
soil surface and cut down on weed growth.
HOW TO SAVE WATER IN THE COMMUNITY
* Survey water users within large water using facilities and develop plans
to reduce water use.
* Encourage a community-based service organization such as a scout group,
service club or church youth group to start a water conservation program.
Water conservation is stewardship of our natural resources.
* Encourage use of drought tolerant vegetation in outdoor landscaping at
large facilities and community sites.
* Retrofit older buildings and facilities with water-efficient plumbing fixtures.
Source http://www.mde.state.md.us