Areas across Hawaii have been impacted by drought this year and we’re not alone. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) anticipates 40 states will have water shortages by 2024. With our own state’s population nearing 1.5 million, conserving water is critical.
Honolulu’s Board of Water Supply estimates that 50 percent of our water is used outdoors. You can help reduce the amount of drinkable water used for non-drinking purposes by considering these outdoor water-saving tips.
Consider less thirsty plants
Create a beautiful landscape with attractive plants that require less watering. Check out the Board of Water Supply’s Oahu Planting Guide to see which Hawaiian plants flourish naturally with just rainfall.
Save rain
Did you know that 600 gallons of water can be collected from just one inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot rooftop? Contact the Board of Water Supply to learn more about their workshops on reusing rain water caught with a rain barrel.
Give your lawn a few days
This may come as a shock, but your lawn does not need to be watered every day. In fact, if you water it just once every three days, you promote deeper root growth. Avoid watering between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., when water evaporates quickly.
Put a nozzle on it
A running garden hose can waste 100 gallons of water in just minutes. A pressure nozzle on your hose helps you use water only when you need it.
Check for leaks
All leaks are created equal. A leak shouldn’t be taken lightly just because it’s outdoors. If you see a leak, check it out. Be sure hoses and other attachments are properly connected. If you’re not able to repair a leaky fixture, contact a plumber.
Do you have a water-saving tip? We’d love to hear it in the comments below.
