Water Your Home

Are you working from home and contemplating the wonders of water? Beyond being very grateful for our clean tap water and our efficient wastewater systems during this stressful time, we can re-energize our moods by implementing some home water innovations and strategies. Here are a few ideas and resources to help get you started or remind you of that "water to do list" you left at the office.

• Conserve by collecting your shower water and using it on your plants or finally take some time to set up a gray water system from your washing machine or shower. Arizona Department of Water Resources has great tips in their flier "Using Gray Water at Home" 
   
• Build berms and basins to harvest rainwater in your yard or scope out opportunities for future neighborhood water harvesting projects during your evening walks. Check out the WRRC Water Harvesting Assessment Toolbox, search your municipality's website, or explore Brad Lancaster's website for on-line tools and ideas.  When the monsoons come, you will get the fun of satisfying your inner water engineer.
   
• Saving energy also saves water. Dry your clothes outside or actively regulate your home's temperature by opening your windows in the mornings and lowering shades in the afternoons.

• Gardening is such a joyful experience, whether improving your desert landscaping or growing your first tomato. The UA Arboretum page has a great desert gardening guide where you can search for plants based on their growing requirements, characteristics, or function. AMWUA also has an excellent on-line plant guide! Looking for top-notch gardening reading? Go to the UA Cooperative Extension website to find science-based information on home composting, growing roses, treating noxious weeds, nurturing trees and more!