World Water Day: Take Action With Home Water Conservation
March 22, 2010 by Green Irene
Filed under Water Conservation
Happy World Water Day from Green Irene!
In 1993, the United Nations designated March 22nd as an international day of observance for countries and individuals to consider the water conservation issues that impact our lives. Think about whether some of these great water saving measures might be right for your home:
Rainwater harvesting is a great way to reduce your water consumption. Collecting the runoff from a 1,600 square foot roof can provide you with 1,000 gallons of water for every 1 inch of rainfall! This water can be used to water lawns and gardens, to wash your deck or patio, or even to flush toilets with a graywater setup. Find your collection potential by multiplying the length x width of any collection surface, then multiplying by 0.625 (gallons collected per inch of rainfall). By harvesting storm water and preventing the runoff from entering sewer systems, you also help reduce the pressures of managing storm water overflows for your local water management agency.
Speaking of storm water runoff, did you realize that many utility companies charge an annual fee based on the amount of impervious surface on your property? A new program in Gwinnett County, Georgia offers credits to homeowners who enact measures that reduce storm water runoff. Portland, Oregon is another leading city that offers customers up to 100% credit against the impervious fees for managing storm water on site. These programs motivate and reward individuals who are solving storm water flooding issues at the source.
Many products are also available to help you to conserve and purify the water in your home. Sink aerators, low-flow showerheads, and toilet tank bags or fill cycle diverters are all great ways to reduce home water usage and to reduce your water bill!
Your local Green Irene Eco-Consultant is the perfect source to learn more about these water conservation solutions. As part of a Green Home Makeover, they can guide you in choosing the best alternatives for your home, and provide you with the details on any local incentives for water conservation. They can also introduce you to Green Irene’s full line of water conservation products (including the many products listed above). Contact your local Eco-Consultant today, and celebrate World Water Day by taking steps to preserve our world’s water resources.
