Home Improvement » Save Water

Rainwater harvesting

Editor — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:30:14 +0000

An introduction to rain water harvesting:

Rainwater harvesting is a method of utilization of rainwater for domestic as well as agricultural uses and it has been practiced widely in many parts of the world. This method has been used since ancient times and is increasingly being accepted as a practical solution of providing potable water in development projects throughout the world. Besides rainwater harvesting has wide application also in urban and semi urban areas where the reliability and quality of piped water is increasingly being questioned. In spite of these facts and countless benefits the percentage of households using rainwater harvesting in the whole of the United States both in urban and rural areas is remarkably low.

Importance of rainwater harvesting:

With the water prices set to increase and more and more water companies imposing hose-pipe bans and other restrictions, there is an ever-growing need to consider water conservation measures in homes and businesses. Researches have shown that rainwater harvesting could provide up to half of the total water consumption particularly for domestic purposes. More over rainwater harvesting systems can be installed in any type of buildings right from garden sheds and houses to office buildings, industrial units, schools, garden centers and even environmental friendly toilet blocks. Rainwater is considered as a precious source and yet most of it is flushed down the drain. A simple rain harvesting system can provide water for the toilets, washing machine and garden, which can save up to half of the mains water a person currently uses.

Methods of rainwater harvesting:

Rainwater can be collected from rooftops, the land surface or rock catchments using simple techniques such as jars and pots as well as more complex techniques such as underground check dams. The techniques of harvesting rainwater usually found in Asia and Africa arises from practices employed by ancient civilizations within these regions and still serves as a major source of drinking water supply in rural areas. However in America modernized versions of rainwater harvesting are making a comeback. Most of these rainwater storage systems modify the rain gutters that are already on many homes and the gutters are led to a large storage tank where water is held for future use.

Collect water from roof gutters to use for lawn and plant watering

Editor — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:15:05 +0000

Tons of rainwater is collected on the roof gutters. This water is absolutely useless as it just runs away or it simply evaporates. If this water were saved with the help of a better technique then it would be of great use to drought prone areas where water is the prime necessity. If for nothing it could at least be used in harvesting, lawns and gardens. Collecting rainwater for use during dry months in rain barrels is not modern technique. In ancient and traditional practice, historical records show that rainwater was collected in simple clay containers as far back as two thousand years ago. With the rising price of municipal water more and more homeowners in modern society are turning to the harvesting of rainwater to save money and protect this precious natural resource. Another important reason as to why the people are turning to this type of harvesting is now thy have started understanding the value of fresh water.

Fresh water

There are several ways by which can illustrate how important freshwater is. Although 70 percent of the earth is covered by water only 2.5 percent of this is considered by fresh water. The rest is in the form of salt water in the oceans. Out of the fresh water that exists most is locked up in glaciers. So it becomes important for us to actually save the water that is endangered especially the rainwater.

Roof gutters to collect rainwater

Rainwater is collected from the roofs of houses. It picks up very little pollution when it falls on the roof. And of course the roofs of the houses are generally clean of debris and potential contaminants to maximize purity. The material your roof is made out of is also important factor that has to be taken in to consideration. Another important reason as to why the rainwater should be save is because there may be chemicals present in the water making the water hard. Hard water that falls down, from roof can produce an imbalance in the soil. Chemical fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides, and drought can also disrupt the harmony of the soil. But if this water is given to trees and plants it will be useful. Trees and plants have an efficient immune system to defend diseases.

Water brooms to save water

Editor — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:45:13 +0000

Often large quantities of water are wasted on cleaning floors, driveways or pathways of the house. Using the traditional methods such as pipes is not only tiresome but also uses up a lot of water. Over and above the desired level of cleanliness is also not attained. Considering the troubles associated with the traditional method high tech water brooms have been developed for cleaning rough floors. These water brooms along with high quality cleaning use very less amount of water and fuel for the same job.

Water brooms – the latest cleaning technology

Water brooms are special automated brooms that can produce high-pressure jets of water that effectively drive away the dirt over the surface. They are easy to use, resulting in less strain and fatigue to the operator. Water brooms are available in both small and large size. They come in varying widths for and nozzles for different purposes, and provide with max flow from 4 to 8 gallons per minute depending on the size.

Application areas

Water brooms can be effectively used on any kind of rough surface including concrete. Water brooms provide the best and needed water pressure for cleaning driveways, pathways, boat decks or any other kind flat surface. They can also be used for cleaning parking lots, garage floors a curbing. They can effectively remove leafs, deposits, moss, algae dirt and grime from warehouse floors and shuffle board courts. For the same purpose they can also be used on tennis courts, sidewalks, fishing docks and loading docks. Water brooms are also effective for removing dirt masses from asphalt and concrete surfaces.

Benefits of water brooms

Water brooms clean surfaces easily, evenly and quickly using the least amounts of water. Water brooms require less labor, less fuel and less water, which ultimately means saving time, stress, money and most importantly water. Water brooms are easy to operate eliminating the need of zebra stripping on the surface. In addition to this they are universally applicable and can be used on any kind of flat surface, both for indoor and outdoor use.

With help of water brooms better cleaning can be attained more economically and with less amount of water.

Waterless urinals to save water

Editor — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:30:04 +0000

With the rising population in cities there is a rising pressure on natural resources such as water and electricity. Water as being the most significant life-supporting element, and as the sources being limited there are is a great need of conserving it. Though 70% of the earth is occupied with water very less portion of it is consumable. From last two decades various measures and new techniques have been developed to conserve water. Water less urinal is the latest development towards the direction.

What are waterless urinals?

Of most water used, maximum is wasted rather is used in urinals. Understanding this fact, special waterless urinals have been developed, which can successful conserve and save considerable amount of water. Waterless urinals as the name says have provided the options of using urinals eliminating the use of water. Most waterless urinals use waste cartridges, microbial blocks or deodorizing tablets and are outfitted with simple, low cost, inbuilt serviceable water lock.

With the latest models in waterless urinals there is no need to purchase disposable plastic waste cartridges. Instead they employ a low cost and natural biodegradable fluid to block the urine odors. This fluid flows with the urine into the sewer thus blocking the odor.

Benefits of waterless urinals

1. Water saving
The best advantage that waterless urinals offer is they save water as they function without water. In addition even cleaning them requires less water compared to the conventional flushing systems. An extensive use of these urinals can release significant amount of pressures from the sewage system and sewage system treatment works.
2. Energy saving
Since large amount of water is saved with the use of waterless urinals, several hundred kilowatt hours of energy per hour is saved which is then used for water purification, transport and later sewage treatment.
3. Less water pollution
As waterless urinals don't require acid-based toilet cleaners and deodorizer, less harmful substance is released through the urinals thus cutting over the pollution.
4. Cost effective
Waterless urinals are made from fiberglass-reinforced polyester that makes it near vandalism-proof and last longer than the conventional urinals thus saving cost.

Along with all these benefits they are safe and more hygienic compared to the conventional urinals. Their surface doesn't attract bacteria and fungi, which are common danger associated with the traditional, flush urinals.

By installing waterless urinals in the house one not only saves large amounts of water but is also get rid of maintenance problem associated with the traditional flush urinals.

Deep soak your lawn

Editor — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 06:30:03 +0000

An overview:

Studies have shown that gardens account for approximately 30% to 50% of our daily water consumption, which is a vast amount of this valuable resource. For many American turning on the tap for watering the garden is something taken for granted. Almost in all of the metropolitan cities in the united states, water restrictions are already in place, and hence using water saving techniques in the garden is crucial, not just in summer but at all times of the year. Moreover it is in the garden that we can really make a difference, by using water much more effectively and efficiently.

Lawn watering facts:

Lawn has been a popular garden item and it also has been an integral part of each garden may it bee in the backyard or in a big commercial projects. Proper care and watering are two of the most essential requirements for maintaining a good quality lawn in any garden. Although lawn needs watering it should not be set on a schedule. Prior to watering one can perform a simple test whether or not the lawn needs a soaking by stepping on the grass and if it springs back up, there is need to water but if it stays flat, it's time to water again. It should be noted that morning is the best time for watering the lawns as the sun raises more and more the heat steals away the moisture from them through evaporation.

Importance of deep soaking:

When watering the lawn, one should keep in mind to do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. To measure if the amount water given to the lawns is sufficient enough or not one can put an empty tuna can on the lawn and when it's full, watering has been done in the right amount. Lawns cannot only absorb but they can also hold water for prolonged periods, which helps reduce storm runoff and improve water quality. They also have a significant cooling effect, provide oxygen, trap dust and dirt, promote healthful microorganisms, prevent erosion and filter rainwater contaminants.

Wise use of appliances to save water

Editor — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:30:04 +0000

Importance water conservation:

The fresh water available to us as a user depends upon the amounts of rainfall, local hydrology and the geology of the environment. However if we take out more water than the natural system will allow then this leads to a lowering of the water table and possible dramatic effects upon water quality, future water supplies and agriculture. It has also a severe impact and harmful consequences for the wildlife and amenity value of the landscape, reducing flowing rivers to muddy puddles. Hence it is imperative that if wastage is not checked there will be a time in the near future when shortage of clean water will rise.

Utilization of appliances to check water wastage:

Many commonly used appliances used at home can be modified to conserve water or bought specifically for their water conserving qualities. Spray taps and faucet aerators are an alternative to steady flow taps enabling a smaller volume of water to achieve the same results. Low flow showerheads can be fitted to maximize the water coverage and minimize water volume. By adding a plastic bottle filled with water, and sealed, inside the toilet cistern or by adjusting the ballcock, the amount of water used per flush can be reduced to a minimum. Also a dual flush can be used toilet system can be fitted which discharges a small volume of water for liquid waste and a larger volume for solid waste. As it is seen that efficient flushing depends upon the velocity of the water rather than the volume that tends to be grossly out of proportion with the waste that the water flushes. One can also install a compost toilet if appropriate by which one can do away with using water to flush away the wastes and one significant benefit to this simple technology is the rich compost you get at the end of the process that returns back nutrients to the soil that would otherwise end up in rivers. In China and Japan night it is called as the soil and has been scrupulously collected for centuries for fertilization purposes. Besides this compost toilets need no water and depend upon bacterial action to break down harmful bugs in the waste.

Don't water your lawn in windy days

Editor — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 04:30:03 +0000

About lawn watering:

Lawns can give a touch of beauty and greenery to any garden. They also have a significant cooling effect, provide oxygen, trap dust and dirt, promote healthful microorganisms, prevent erosion and filter rainwater contaminants. Besides lawns can also absorb and hold water, which helps reduce storm runoff and improve water quality. However watering is a very important aspect when it to maintain a quality lawn in almost any garden. While watering the lawn, it should always be done long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots as it is seen that a light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Usually the best time for watering is early morning as less water will be lost to evaporation. Also it is better to water the first half-inch or so and then wait for an hour or two before watering the second half-inch. Thorough watering encourages your lawn to develop deep root systems that make the lawn hardier and more drought-resistant.

Prevention of watering in windy days to check wastage:

In the summer season lawn should not be watered more than once in every three days and during the winter times watering should be done once in every five days. Also watering should be done during the cool parts of the day like early morning. It is better than dusk as it helps in the prevention of a possible growth of fungus. It is very important to keep in mind that one should not try to water in windy days. The wind cannot only blow the sprinklers of the target but also can effectively sped up evaporation of the water. A study has shown that turf water usage rates are extremely high in both windy and sunny days. By avoiding the watering of lawns one can effectively check the loss of water. It should be noted that the water for the lawn should reach the soil first and then the lawn will do their work of taking it back form the soil. Any time when the lawn is watered the grass blades should not block the water.

Use of dishwasher to save water

Editor — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:30:03 +0000

Dishwashers sometimes come in for some bad press, particularly because it is assumed they waste energy and water. However this is rarely the case. Usually dishwashers use less water and less energy than washing the plates by hand. So it is quite possible to be environmentally friendly and enjoy the convenience of a dishwasher.

Dishwasher needs less water

The reason that most people think that a dishwasher uses more water because it is so big and the sink are so little. Yet very few people only wash up once a day, as one need to add up all those sinks full of hot water plus any rinsing water may be used. To check it one can work this out for themselves given the size of the sink and washing up technique. In contrast most modern dishwashers make good use of water and may use only 20 liters of water each time it runs. But if the dishwasher is not used it is possible that the water required is much more and it is a waste of water.

Tips to use the dishwasher

Be careful on the quantity of water used to operate the dishwasher. Try to scrape off dirty plates into the trash rather than running hot water to do this duty. If the person wants to water before using the dishwasher, put the dishes into a sink full only halfway. In addition, one can usually skip the pre-rinse cycle. By experimenting with these ideas, the overusing of the water can be identified.

Run the dishwasher when it is full loaded

Why run a dishwasher half full? Wait until the dishwasher is fully loaded and then run it. Of course, it can be done only if there is lot of dishes. If going out and purchasing more dishes is needed to do this idea, as the purchases should not exceed the cost of saving water. Upgrade the dishwasher and look for washers that carry the best energy saving rating. These newer models heat water in safer and more efficient manners in comparison to older units. These newer dishwashers are often far more environmentally friendly and cost effective than hand washing habits.

Hoses to save water

Editor — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:00:03 +0000

A garden hose also known as a hosepipe is a kind of hose that is used for watering plants in a garden or a lawn. There are a number of common attachments available for the end of the hose, such as sprayers and sprinklers, which are being used to concentrate water at one point or over a large area. Usually, hoses are attached to a hose spigot or tap.

Generally most of the garden hoses are green but they are also available in a variety of colors. Garden hoses are typically made out of synthetic rubber or soft plastic, reinforced with an internal web of fibers that makes them flexible and their smooth exterior facilitates pulling them past trees, posts and other obstacles. They are also tough enough to survive scraping on rocks and being stepped on without damage or leaking.

Hosepipes for water conservation:

Proper and wise of water for garden and lawn watering not only helps protect the environment, but saves money and provides for optimum growing conditions. One of the basic problems with eater is that it cannot be manufactured and we have to rely on nature for its production to recharge our ground water supplies, replenish our reservoirs, and bolster flows in our streams and rivers. So there is natural necessity for conservation of water, which is available to us in the present. One of the most effective measures that can be taken in this regard is to control the use of water in the garden or outdoors.

Although sprinklers are considered to be effective in saving water, the true fact is that they also need a lot of attention and additional expenses of installing a water system or tap timer for proper functioning to avoid over watering. More over a forgotten sprinkler can discharge up to 1000 litres per hour. On the other hand a reasonable and wise use of a hosepipe can very effectively check water wastage. A slow watering with a hose can help to avoid the run-off and to ensure the soil absorbs the water. In order to make the ordinary garden hose more effective one can attach a gun sprayer in order to enhance the coverage area utilizing lesser volumes of water.

Saving water outdoor

Editor — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:04 +0000

Water is the most important life-supporting commodity for the global existence. Not just the mankind but even for animals, plants or any kind of life either on the earth or if there is any on any other planet thrives on water. Understanding the significance of water we need to care for it and use it prudently and save it for the coming generations. More than industrial use water is more used on the domestic front. For domestic use most water is wasted outdoors. If used strategically one can save gallons of waters for the coming generations.

Proper lawn irrigation

For house with lawns and gardens, lawns use up 50% of the total water used by the house. Use water efficient drip irrigation systems for the lawn. These systems not only help in right irrigation but also use less amount of water. Aerate the lawn properly to allow better water penetration and less runoff. Try to water the lawn in the mornings or late evenings, this will minimize evaporation. Don't water the lawn for the day or weak when rains are expected. For saving further more adjust or deactivate automatic sprinklers. Avoid mowing at low heights, long grasses minimize evaporation.

Washing you car and drive ways

Car washing normally requires lots of water. When washing the car instead of running a hose throughout the wash, use a bucket of water and a quick hose in the end. Similarly while cleaning the drive ways and pathways sweep the floor instead of running the hose. For a better cleaning use water brooms.

Prevent wastage from leakages

Leakages can lead to large wastage. House owners should regularly check the external pipelines and if any leakages are found repair them at the soonest. Know where the water shut-off valve is located. Shut it off in times of pipe burst and save gallons of water and damage to the home.

On the other hand for houses where there is swimming pool cover it to prevent evaporation. If outdoor water used is reduced, which can be done easily by a prudent use not only water will be saved but you will also save lots of energy and eventually money.

Irrigation controllers to save water

Editor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:00:05 +0000

Irrigation facilities are of primary importance not just to farmers but also to common house owners who have a garden in their backyard. Irrigation can broadly be described as the facilities that facilitate the supply of water to the crops or to the plants and flowers in your garden. There are various facilities for your irrigation. These facilities can include pump sets that draw water from beneath the ground, specially designed pipes that supply the water and also more common apparatus such as sprinklers. Devices such as sprinklers are commonly used in backyards as a source of irrigation. It saves not only time and energy but also a great deal of water if these sprinklers and pipes are fitted with controls for releasing a fixed amount of water at fixed intervals of time. Thus the need of irrigation controllers in water conservation is felt.

Design and function of these controllers

The irrigation controllers activate the sources of irrigation for stipulated and pre determined periods of time. These controllers are electrically configured and can be adjusted regularly by the user. Of late these devices are evolving from mere timer devices that regulate water flow to something that is much more technologically advanced and sophisticated. They can be likened to smart devices. These devices are wired to receive information about the weather from the internet and accordingly regulate the time and amount of water that should be released. For example, if the information available on the internet predicts an impending rainfall for the given area, then the controller will regulate the irrigation device to provide a less than usual amount of water to the crops or plants and allow the deficient water to be supplied by the rainfall. Thus these devices greatly help to reduce and prevent unnecessary and excessive wastage of water and thus help in water conservation.

There are a variety of these irrigation controller devices that are available in the market as well as on the internet. While deciding on the right controller, the cost efficiency, specific need and also the level of sophistication that you require must be considered.

Use of evaporative coolers to save water

Editor — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:30:02 +0000

About evaporative coolers:

Evaporative coolers that are also known as swamp coolers or desert coolers are basically a type of refrigeration system, which is based on the process of simple evaporation as the cooling mechanism. Their main difference with a traditional air conditioning system is that the later uses a phase change heat pump along with a compressor. Evaporative coolers are especially suited for those climates where the air has a high hot temperatures but the relatively the humidity is low. The installation and operating cost of a swamp cooler is much lower than that of traditional air conditioning systems. Also in those areas where the humidity is high there are many cost effective uses for evaporative cooling, which makes it preferred choice.

Evaporative cooling in water conservation:

Evaporative cooling systems are also widely used for commercial or industrial purposes throughout America. In those applications evaporative cooling is considered as a basic approach towards water conservation. Generally for residential purposes the amount of water used by your evaporative cooler will depend upon its size, air movement, and the relative humidity of the air. One most important point, which should be considered in this regard, is that the water usage rate always depends upon the amount of water used in bleed water. However it has reported that most of the evaporative coolers require a seasonal maintenance check-up and for more water efficient cooling, it is a mandatory task to check the evaporative coolers annually.

Advantages and benefits of evaporative cooling:

One of the basic advantages of evaporative cooling is that, the water from an evaporative cooler can be re-used for irrigation purposes. This use for irrigational purposes is a natural use for this water since the hot, dry conditions that often spur cooler use also spur irrigation demand. However, in desert areas the water has a high concentration of salts and water used from evaporative cooling systems for irrigation may be a concern for plants that are sensitive to water with a high mineral concentration. Other than this if the water is drained directly for irrigation, prolonged use of the coolers may result in over watering of the plants.

Do not Use Running water to thaw Food – Thawing Thoughts

Editor — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:00:05 +0000

There is a common misconception among people that saving water requires extensive efforts. However, if each one decides, then huge amounts of water can be saved without making any special attempts. Extremely minor adjustments need to be made in our everyday routine, which can lead to great results in saving water. The maximum water usage at homes is in the kitchen. Especially for washing vegetables and fruits a lot of water is wasted. Apart from this, even while thawing food, usually a lot of water is wasted. There are some simple ways in which thawing food can be done without wasting water.

Thawing Tips

Thawing food is a daily chore in all the homes. Everyone stores several foodstuffs and even leftovers in the refrigerators that can be used the next day. To bring the food to room temperature, the food must be thawed or defrosted of all the frost and ice before consuming. To get it defrosted quickly, the most common way is to hold the container under running water for sometime. Though this method is very effective in defrosting the food, it is responsible for a lot of water wastage. Water is simply allowed to run off and individuals do not realize the amount of water that runs off without using. To avoid this wastage of water while thawing food, the simplest method is to thaw the food in a container or a pan. This would help in thawing the food in limited amount of water and there would be no water wastage.

All people need to do is to take a container or a pan and fill is with water. Then just keep the food bowl in the water pan or container and thaw it. This would mean that people have been successfully able to save a few liters of water in the process. Also, another simple way of thawing food without holding it under running water is to take out the food out of the refrigerator for sometime before consuming it. For this individuals just need to plan ahead and remember to take out the food out. It would automatically get defrosted and come to room temperature.

These are extremely simple thawing tips to follow. The results that they produce are fantastic and saving water becomes a child's play.

Use of proper water recirculation devices

Editor — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:45:03 +0000

Water recirculation devices and their efficient use to save water is the prime question these days. Recirculation device means the devices which are used to make used water into usable water form by doing series of filtration processes like water treatment and also making water into other forms which is required.

How water recirculation devices works?

Various patents and products were studied before these devices were developed. In case of used water, this device first heats the water in the temperature range of 146F to 151F, water flow is maintained, and water treatment is done and at the last usable water is obtained. Water treatment is calculated as, water recovery = permeate/ concrete + permeate * 100. Water recovery should be at least more than 50%.

In case of making water in other such as making cold water into hot water for drinking like, bathing, like in water heating devices. Keep proper insulation against vapors, as water is mainly lost through vapors. Also these devices try to reduce the time taking to heat water as it sometimes leads to water loss. There are many heating devices like Tank heater, solar heater, Tankless heater etc.

Also in periodical check, the water recirculation devices of the swimming pools, fountains etc, fixed its leakage if find some.

Tips to save water in recirculation devices:

1) Fix all the leakage in the water recirculation devices.
2) Reduce the amount of time required in installing hot water recirculation device.
3) Proper insulation for vapors during heating process in a water recirculation device.
4) Try to use Tankless-heating devices as it wipe out the unnecessary heating of tank before heating the water to be treated.
5) Fully load your water recirculation device such as dishwasher before use.
6) Recirculation devices in fountains, sprinters, and swimming pools should be properly maintained.
7) Teach your children, illiterates how to handle water recirculation devices.

Conclusion:

Many water recirculation devices contain small leakage and they should be located early. Teach as many people as possible about handling the water recirculation devices. This is ultimately lead to water saving. Because who do not know how to handle these devices leads more loss of water through these devices. Proper vapor insulation should be maintained heating devices. Try to use new efficient water recirculation devices rather than using out-dated one.

Home strategies for saving water – Water saving on the domestic front

Editor — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:15:02 +0000

A common question that arises in most minds is that though 70% of the earth is occupied with water so why do we need to save water. Well, but we should remember that very small percentage of this is useful for consumption. With the ever rising population especially in cities there is a mounting pressure on the available reserves. If not used prudently there can be an acute short of drinking water. Since most of the consumable water is used at homes, much saving can be achieved if everyone starts saving water on the domestic front. There are various ways or strategies with help of which thousands of gallons of water can be saved every day, in fact every hour.

Strategies to save water

1. Strategies for irrigating lawns
For houses with lawns use more than 50% water supply for lawn. If proper irrigation techniques such drip irrigators are sprinklers are used considerable amount of water can be saved every day. Along with this if more low water consuming plants are used in the landscape water consumption can further be reduced. Similarly by proper zoning of plants and by watering those in early morning or evening water can be saved easily.

2. Kitchen use
with help of dish washers and clothes washer lots of water can be saved easily. These technologies are designed to give best washing result with least consumption of water. Similarly if washing is done when there is sufficient load water can be further saved.

3. Reuse water
By re-using water significant amount of water wastage can be avoided. For instance water used for washing clothes can be conveniently used to wash vessels and wipe the floors or to wash the parking lots or drive ways.

4. Prevent leakages
Much water is wasted through leakages. One should thus regularly keep checking the water pipes and if any leaks correct them immediately. Special leak detectors have been developed detect leakages.

Similarly with use of wash brooms and by avoiding hot tubs, bidets and swimming pools in the house lots of water can be saved every day.

One thing that every one should remember is that water saved by you at home will not only cut over your payments but the same water will be made available to those who are suffering from an acute shortage.

Save by Watering Frugally – Prudent Ways

Editor — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:45:03 +0000

The value of water is often grossly underestimated. Water is as priceless as a rare jewel and must be used with great caution and thriftiness. Most people never follow proper water discipline and waste huge amounts of it. Especially, tremendous water wastage is observed in gardening. Hence, people must be very careful while they water their lawns and gardens and ensure that they use minimum possible water.

Save Water

The judicious use of water in gardening is not very difficult. Individuals may argue that big lawns and garden cannot be maintained without the use of large amounts of water. However, there are several techniques that can be practiced in order to keep the use of water at a minimum level. The foremost step is to avoid excess watering of plants, trees and the lawn in the garden. Apart from the peak summer days, it is not necessary to water the plants everyday. Even if individuals water them on alternate days or even once in two to three days, the plants would be well maintained and would not be adversely affected. Also while watering the plants, avoid pouring excess water. Every plant has a specific water requirement and does not need any more water than that. While watering the garden, avoid the use of high flow hoses. A hose with low of medium water flow is perfect to water the plants.

The ways of watering the plants are extremely vital. Now it is not necessary to use hose pipes to water the gardens. Drip irrigation is the best way watering the plants if water wastage needs to be avoided. Drip watering is ideal for huge lawns and gardens. There is a long pipe with holes placed at intervals in order to water the plants and trees. These holes emit small drops throughout the day. This completes the quota of water required as well as prevents any wastage of water. Apart from drip irrigation, sprinklers are used as water saving alternative. Sprinklers are perfect for water lawns. Sprinklers emit low amounts of water but with great force. This is enough for the small grass blades in the lawn.

These are some of the most prominent ways of frugal watering of gardens. These methods are very easy to use and provide the best results and are hence highly recommended for all the home gardens.

Use of water saving flushes

Editor — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:30:02 +0000

Water conservation implies saving and making the best utilization of our available water resources. Our bodies constitute 2/3rd of their total mass with water. That implies the majority of our being is water oriented. However our attitude towards water is anything but conservative. Most of us, either out of ignorance or just plain stupidity, indiscriminately use our available water supply without any consideration for its conservation. It is a known fact that each individual uses approximately 150 liters of water per day. Out of these 150 liters, nearly 60 liters are used in the toilet alone. If only small changes could be implemented in your flushing system, then it could result in the above figure reducing to half of that.

Amendments to the Flushing Systems

Some flushes are outfitted with a dual knob for flushing. One is used to clear the pan of solid wastes and the other is used to clear the pan of liquid waste products. The amount of water required for each of these two purposes differs and hence the quantity of water released by each knob also differs. Other flushing systems are designed in such a way that the water is released in the pan from the flush with a much higher velocity than other ordinary flushes. The principle used here is that a greater velocity and not greater quantity of water is actually required to clear the pan of the waste products. This particular feature is immensely beneficial in the conservation of water. Another invention for flushing system, which is very useful, is the construction of a knob that releases water only when it is pushed down and automatically stops the flow of water when the user releases it. Thus only the required amount of water to clear the pan is used.

Thus these are just few of the inventions and adjustments in flushing systems that contribute immensely towards water conservation. In order for water conservation to be really effective on a large scale, it is essential that each individual take it upon himself or herself as moral and obligatory responsibility to help and contribute in the process of water conservation at the individual level.

Choose the right season for planting new trees in the garden – Seasoned Changes

Editor — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:45:03 +0000

For most people, gardening is just a hobby. There is a general lack of information on the right techniques and equipments that need to be used for home gardening. If the home owners do not have the correct information about the kind of trees that need to be planted their garden would not turn out the way they want. Also, even the time of planting new saplings is crucial for several reasons, mainly to ensure that the trees grow fine and require less water. Saving water is a must and it can be easily done by planting the right trees in the right season.

Time it Right

When home owners decide to plant new trees, there are a few fundamental factors that need to be considered. To be precise, first the space available is crucial as that would decide the type and size of the tree that can be planted. The next factor to be considered is the water availability. All newly planted saplings require to be watered daily or regularly to ensure that they have their roots firmly in place. This makes us come to the main topic of choosing the right season for planting the trees. It is very obvious that in winters it is not possible at all to plant new trees. Especially, when the ground is covered by a blanket of snow and the ground is hard. Likewise, even peak summer is the wrong time to plant new saplings. This is because the ground water level decreases significantly and it becomes imperative to keep watering the plants everyday, resulting in water wastage.

The monsoons are the best time to plant new trees. When it rains, the soil becomes rich in moisture content, minerals and salts. These components are vital for the growth of plants. Also, watering everyday is not necessary as the plants can survive on the rain water and even on the moisture that has been collected due to previous rains. In fact, rain water is much more beneficial than the normal water. Hence, this makes saving water very easy. Even for the lawns and the bigger trees rain water is more than sufficient and there is absolutely no need for excess watering.

These factors make saving water a very easy and effective process. A little bit of consciousness can save on this life-giving element.

Programs to Help You Save Water

Editor — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:15:04 +0000

Although there seems sufficient water in many parts of the world, it is important to implicate have various techniques and programs to save water around your home. It also helps to improve the quality of water just by conserving it.

Programs by which you can keep check and save the water:

1. Check if any hidden water leaks are there in the house. In spite of not using the water if the meter shows increase in the value, then you can understand that there is water leak for sure.

2. Check your toilets for water leaks by putting a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If color starts disappearing from the bowl within thirty minutes then there is a leak in your toilet which should be repaired immediately

3. Toilet shouldn't be as an ashtray or wastebasket because cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash needs five to seven gallons of water.

4. By putting plastic bottles in your toilet tank you can cut down on water waste, put an inch of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Further fill the bottles with water, screw up the lids, and put them in your toilet tank, away from the operating mechanisms. This saves ten or more gallons of water. Low flush toilets are advisable to buy as it uses 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to 5 gallons.

5. Insulation of your water pipes should be done periodically.

6. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators to conserve the water. Aerators can limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off. Aerators should be introduced in all home appliances.

7. Take short showers with optimal use of water. That's the best way to cut down on water. Approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water is used in a shower of four minutes.

8. Use rainwater for yards, lawns, gardens watering and car washing.

9. Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimal use of water. Shun the use of permanent press cycle.

Judicious use of running water

Editor — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:15:05 +0000

An overview

Water is indeed a precious commodity and almost every one of us is aware of this fact. Still enough efforts are not being taken at family levels or at homes for the proper and judicious use of water. According to a recent survey, in America almost 75 % of the total water supplied to a home in a year is being used for shower bath tub and bathroom sinks. It is matter of fact that although more than 80 % of our planet is covered in water, the fresh water sources only constitutes up to 3 % of the total. More over the major problem with fresh water is that it cannot be produced and we have to wholly rely upon nature for it. Hence water conservation is a matter of great concern and importance for all of us.

Methods to avoid running water wastage

Many a times it has been observed at home water is wasted unnecessarily. However if we become a little more conscious then we may be able to save one of the precious commodities that are available to us. For example keeping a container of water in the fridge in order not to run the water down the sink until it's cool enough to drink or by putting the plug in the sink when washing hands instead of holding them under running water can save a considerable amount. Other than this washing fruit and vegetables in a half-filled sink instead of under running water is another great way to cut back on water wastage. There are also other significant ways of saving water like rinsing dishes in a plugged sink rather than under a running tap saves water and is just as easy and effective. Also the use of a minimum amount of dishwashing liquid when washing dishes by hand reduces the amount of rinsing required. To rinse a shaving razor, a little water should be run into a plugged sink as rinsing the razor under a running tap wastes lots of water. There is an absolute no need to leave the tap running while you brush your teeth. On the contrary one can simply wet the toothbrush before the brushing and use a glass of water to rinse mouth. Also one should not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods but can defrost the same food overnight in the refrigerator or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.