WATER CONSERVATION IN THE GARDEN

By Alma Copeland, Home Economist
TEAM Resources

With the lack of snow and rain in our area, we are becoming concerned about the lack of water in our rivers, dugouts and other water sources. We are becoming more aware of what a precious resource it is.

Many people think it makes no difference how much water we use or what we use it for. Environment Canada tells us it is very important how water is used and that we must take great care not to overuse or abuse it. More and more water users will compete for what remains of a finite supply. This implies improved water efficiency and conservation and doing even more to restore its quality after use.  

Did You Know?

• Canadians use an average of 340 litres of water, per person, per day, for household and garden use. That is more than all other countries except the United States which uses 425 litres. The United Kingdom uses 200 litres, France 150 litres and Israel 135 litres per person, per day.  
• A mere 5% of our home water supply is used for drinking and cooking. 
• About 75% of indoor home water use is in our bathrooms. Toilets are the single greatest indoor water user.
• The biggest peaks during the year occur in the summer, when about half to three quarters of municipally treated water is sprayed onto lawns 

ENVIRONMENT CANADA TIPS FOR WISE USE OF LAWN AND GARDEN WATER

Give your sprinkler a rest!

Lawns don't need daily watering. Watering every 3 to 5 days is sufficient, less often if it rains. When you do water, give the grass a thorough soaking, which will produce a deep root system and stronger grass. Daily watering results in shallow roots and weaker grass.  Choose a sprinkler that suits the size and shape of your lawn and delivers large flat droplets of water.

If your grass is green it doesn't need watering

Lawns only need a total of 2 to 3 centimetres of water a week. More is not better.  To determine how long it takes for your lawn to receive 2 to 3 centimetres, place a can under your sprinkler and time how long it takes to fill the can to the required amount.  

Suntanning and lawn watering don't mix!

Water your lawn during the coolest parts of the day. Watering in the early morning when it is cool or in the evening after the sun has gone down will reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation. (Early morning is best as the sun dries the leaves quickly which helps avoid diseases that thrive in damp conditions).

Don't water grass on sunny days. Water droplets magnify the sun's rays, causing the grass to burn. 

Don't water on windy days or you'll lose much of it to evaporation.

Short grass belongs on the golf course

Cut your grass higher than usual (over six centimetres) to provide shade for roots. Taller grass holds water better and actually looks richer.

Trade in your grass

Try "xeriscaping" or "naturescaping" by replacing your grass with native ground covers and flowers that require little upkeep and are drought-resistant. 

Grass doesn't grow on driveways . . . so why water them?

Never use your hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk. Use a broom instead.  Wise use of water will save money and help improve the environment. "We must learn to use only what we need, and need what we use."