As the infographic below shows, we can lower our water use during this time of severe drought by installing low-flow toilets, shower heads and fixtures in our homes. This is something we will have to do by January 1, 2017 if our homes were built before 1994. These changes will help save water, but our landscaping accounts for over 50% of our homes’ total water usage.
For ways to cut back the water use in your home and landscape, take a look at the San Diego County Water Authority’s website. They have great tips, classes and even incentives to help lower your water usage. Here are some ideas for creating a beautiful yard and saving water with a little help from the San Diego County Water Authority.
Small Changes or the Whole Thing
You can completely redesign your landscape or just change a small part of it. The water authority’s Homeowner’s Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape will guide you through the process from design and implementation to maintenance of your new drought tolerant landscape.
Compost and Mulch
Compost and mulch help create healthy soil and plants, keep weeds down, improve the look of your garden and conserve water. Composting your own yard trimmings and food scraps is a great way to recycle, save money and improve your soil. The water authority has free composting workshops that will teach you to turn your waste into a rich, dark soil amendment.
Go Native
Native plants and those from similar climates like the Mediterranean will save you water since they are adapted to climates with little rainfall. Native plants will also lower maintenance and the use of pesticides because they have already developed their own defenses against many pests and diseases. They will invite hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects to your garden.
Try Drip
Low-flow irrigation using drip emitters, bubblers or micro-sprayers is a more efficient way to deliver water to your landscape. You can save water by delivering it directly to your plants. This will help avoid runoff, overspray, evaporation and wind drift loss common with sprinklers.
Dump the Lawn
Cool season turf which makes up many lawns in San Diego County needs 44 to 55 inches of water per year. Consider shrinking the size of your lawn or replacing it altogether with warm season turf, native grass, succulents or a low-water ground cover. The San Diego County Water Authority has turf replacement rebates (while funds last) and great information on replacing your water hogging grass.
So Much More
The water authority has many more water saving tips for both inside and outside your home For more ideas take a look at their eGuide to a WaterSmart Lifestyle.
