Homeowner Tips for Summertime Fun Without Wasting Water

Summer is short, so it’s understandable when you let some of your good habits slide for the sake of seasonal fun.

That’s certainly true when it comes to water conservation. The higher temperatures generally require homeowners to increase their water use in order to maintain their lawns and gardens, as well as to support outdoor fun.

Having fun and having a great garden doesn’t have to come at the expense of your water conservation efforts. Here is what you need to know in order to stay on track during the summer season.

Use Your Sprinklers and Hoses Wisely

Sure, you want a lush lawn, but just turning on the sprinkler and hoping for the best isn’t going to work- and it’s going to waste a lot of water.

Inspect your hoses to make sure that they aren’t cracked. They don’t last forever. Also check out your hose bib connections to make sure that hoses fasten tightly.

Always point your sprinkler at your lawn or garden, not at the driveway, and remember that you can always run through them! To water your plants, collect water in a rain barrel or reserve cooking liquid. If you have a fish tank, reserve that water and use it for your plants too.

Fun Ways to Keep Cool at Home

Your water fun could be as simple as filling a misting bottle and refreshing yourself as needed outside.

If you and your family are looking for something a little more active, build yourself a backyard water park. Make a shower sprinkler by attaching an empty water bottle to a hose with duct tape.

Punch holes in it and get wet (also, this is a useful way to water your plants when you are done playing). Hang a series of water balloons and have a water balloon piñata party. You are sure to cool down.

Extra Conservation for Extra Fun

Given that you know that you are going to use more water this season, make an effort to cut back in other areas to keep on top of water conservation.

Don’t use your hose to remove debris from your gutters; use a broom handle instead. Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it yourself.

Take shorter showers. Be on guard for signs of plumbing leaks, indoors and out, which can waste a substantial amount of water.