Water Conservation Give-Aways

Started by NpS • 9 replies • 1878 views

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NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Each year we look for ways to conserve water. We have exhausted our options inside the houses - and we are now looking for items that can be used outside the house.

We do not have any irrigation systems. Some HOs do nothing. Others maintain gardens or water the lawn around their homes. It is with this second group that we are looking to conserve more water.

We do not want to restrict what people can do. We only want to buy and give away items that can reduce waste and conserve water.

Any suggestions?

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

BillH10 (Texas)
Posts: 1,217

Posted:

NpS

You may know that some areas of Texas, including where we live, are in a prolonged drought. As such, the local governments have mandated watering days (in this area, currently on Thursday on alternate weeks other than 1000 AM to 600 PM except in the winter when the hours are reversed) and other controls such as requiring hose nozzles which automatically shut off when the handle is released, we also cannot wash down flat surfaces such as decks, garage floors, porches, and driveways.

Homeowners have implemented other strategies: new or upgraded/supplemented irrigation controllers which sense soil moisture and irrigate only when necessary, installation of drip systems, particularly in planter beds, use of soaker hoses (same idea as a drip system but less expensive), hand watering, installation of drought tolerant or low water requirement landscaping, and others I can't think of at the moment.

Since you are asking what you might give away, and being sensitive to the fact that most of what I described above is either expensive or involves "rules", the least expensive step I can think of would be to distribute hose end nozzles which require a handle to be squeezed for water to flow. If such a nozzle is released, the water flow stops.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I would recommend going to the "This Old House" website for some ideas on water conservation projects. They often come with how to videos or slideshows. One I like is a 55 Gallon drum (painted or Jack Daniels Barrel)to catch the rain water from the roof. You can then attach a hose or a slow irrigation system for the plants.

It's a good idea for water conservation but not necessarily enforceable. I applaud your efforts.

Former HOA President

AmandaR2 (South Carolina)
Posts: 566

Posted:

Only suggestion I can think of for outside conservation that hasn't been mentioned would be self-watering planters or planter boxes. They can be filled with collected water from the rain barrels or even water conserved from inside the home.

AmandaR2 (South Carolina)
Posts: 566

Posted:

There is also a product called "Hydretain ES Water Saving Product". Never used it myself, but it claims to reduce water requirement for plants and turf by up to 50%. It's and interesting product you hook it up to your garden hose and spray.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Our high rise doesn't have that issue, but I've heard a lot about how detached home HOAs etc. have tried to save water. Beyond what's been mentioned, some HOAs have begun permitting artificial turf. There are many levels of quality and the HOAs set just like they do for exterior paint color guidelines.

Others have permitted H/Os to replace (formerly required) real turf with drought-tolerant plants, rocks, etc. There might be some good websites in CA, NpS.

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

I would be interested too. Its our largest expense (40% of our budget). People want green grass but hate paying more in association dues to get it. We do not have individual meters; just one for each courtyard area. I know i dont use as much water as my neighbor with 6 people in the house.

Ironically it is against Colorado state law to y se a wster collection system (like rain barrels) if you are connected to a city water system.

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Thanks for responses all.

Drip systems, soaker hoses, and look the most interesting. Any thoughts on cost?

Nozzles can be cheap and easy.

No local ordinance against rain barrels. Have heard that they could attract mosquitoes and need to be drained during winter freezes. Does anyone have experience with these?

Hydretain looks too involved to rely on HOs to manage themselves.

Wondering if anyone has a recommendation on reasonably priced timers or moisture sensors.

If things turn out to be expensive, we would be ok with reimbursing half the cost.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

AmandaR2 (South Carolina)
Posts: 566

Posted:

Good rain barrels that address that very real threat of attracting mosquitoes are quite expensive for a give-away item that you say your looking for. Hydretrain costs about $30 a bottle and can be applied one time only if desired, just hook to hose and spray it on. The price for the rest of the items depends on style, size and quality so price would vary greatly. I applaud you for making this effort to help conserve water, it's a good thing for sure.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

Np, you could try contacting your local County Extension Office (not all of them are staffed by Hank Kimball*), being local they would have info on what works in your area.

*Obscure Green Acres reference.

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