Water Wise

Making the most of how we use, and re-use, water

EXAMPLE IDEAS

  • Rainwater capture for irrigation in the drier months

  • Dual flush toilets that provide for a smaller and larger flush as needed

  • Pumps that bring hot water to the tap at the press of a button, rather than running the water down the drain until it is the right temperature

  • “Gray water” systems that make water from showers and laundry clean enough to use in flushing toilets or irrigation

  • Plants and landscaping that are well adapted to the local climate and need minimal irrigation

  • Drip and sub-surface irrigation that brings water to precisely where it is needed

  • Watershed restoration

  • Running irrigation at night to reduce evaporation that happens when the sun is out and the air is warmer

  • Reduced meat (especially beef) consumption. Crops grown to feed cows is almost a quarter of all freshwater use in the United States