Cut Back on Water Usage During the Worst Drought in 25 years

As homeowners and business owners, we are naturally cautious and conservative when it comes to utility usage.  The Midwest is experiencing the worst drought conditions in the past 25 years.  Meanwhile, Indianapolis has managed to set a new record for water usage, pumping up to 231 million gallons per day, according to Citizens Water via AP.

Needless to say, Indiana is one of the biggest agriculture producers in the country, and our corn and soybean crops are suffering.  What can we do?  Eartheasy.com offers 25 ways to conserve water below.

 

From Wowo.com:  Our crops are in trouble.

1.  Check faucets and pipes for leaks.
2.  Don't use toilets as an ashtray or wastebasket.  Five to seven gallons of water is used for every flush.
3.  Check toilets for leaks.  Put a little food coloring in your tank, without flushing if the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that needs attention.
4.  Use your water meter to check for hidden leaks
5.  Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators.
6. Put plastic bottles or floaters in your toilet tank to cut down on water usage.
7. Insulate water pipes.
8. Take shorter showers.
9. Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth.
10. Rinse your razor in the sink in a few inches of warm water.
11. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer only for full loads.
12. Minimize use of kitchen sink garbage disposal.
13. Don't leave the water running while washing dishes by hand.
14. Don't leave the water running when you clean vegetables.
15. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge.
16. Plan drought-resistant lawns, shrubs, and plants, and avoid watering during a drought.
17. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to slow evaporation.
18. Don't water the gutter (check the positioning of sprinklers), and never water on windy days.
19. Water your lawn only when necessary.
20. Deep-soak your lawn when you do water.
21. Water early in the day.
22. Add organic matter and use efficient watering systems for plants.
23. Don't run the hose while washing your car, use a bucket.
24. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
25. Check for leaks in hoses and couplings.

Ways to Beat the Heat!

Temperatures will reach 102° in central Indiana today, so whether you are working outside, completing your home improvement project, or just enjoying your summer afternoon, here are some Real Simple ways to beat the heat:

1. Block the sun.  Be sure to keep shades and blinds closed to keep the sunlight out as much as possible.  One handy trick is to hang damp curtains in the window to help insulate the room.
2. Give your AC a break for a change.  On less than scorching days that are hot but not humid, try a bowl of ice in front of a window fan. 
3. Close up shop!  Keep fireplace dampers and any pet doors or openings sealed shut.
4. Spritz yourself with cool water.
5. On days like this, run a fan and air conditioner simultaneously for optimum ventillation.
6. Keep electronics and appliances off.  This is good for them as well as you.
7. Air dry as much as possible.  This goes for laundry as well as dishes.  Skip the drying cycle if you're using a dishwasher.
8. Go barefoot!
9. Spice it up to cool yourself down; inhabitants of some of the hottest places on Earth such as India, Mexico, and Middle East dine on spicy foods to help reduce the impact of heat on the senses.
10. Above all, STAY HYDRATED.  Also, eat light when possible.

Thinking of adding a new sunporch this summer?  Contact Rockyedge today to find out how we can help build your dreams.