Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I replaced some of my landscape with water-wise, California native plants, but due to my budget, I had to keep a portion of my lawn.  Although I'm keeping some of my lawn, I would still like to use less water on my landscape overall.  What tips can I use on my lawn to help me save water?
Sincerely, 
                                                     Water-Wise Landscaper

A: Dear Water-Wise Landscaper, 
Thank you for your interest in water-saving solutions for your lawn.  The water-wise, California native plants you've planted will surely help you save water on your landscape.  Since you have to keep some of your lawn, one of the best things you can do to save water is to raise your lawnmower blades to 3" or more.  This height encourages grass roots to grow deeper and stronger, which can save you 16-50 gallons per day.  To learn more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org.

Best of luck to you and your water-saving landscape, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

After reading your column, I have used several of your indoor water-saving tips, but I'm still looking for more to use in the bathroom, since decreasing my water use has become a way of life.  What are some additional water-saving tips for bathrooms I can use to continue my water savings?
Sincerely, 
                                                     Water-Saving Enthusiast

A: Dear Water-Saving Enthusiast, 
I am glad to hear you have been using my indoor water-saving tips.  Some bathroom water-saving tips include turning off the shower while shampooing, rinsing with water from a glass after brushing teeth and turning off the faucet while shaving, which alone can save you 10 gallons per person/day.  All of these small tips can add up to more water savings.  Find more indoor water-saving tips at www.ieua.org.

Good luck to you and your water-saving efforts, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

As the summer heats up, I'm worried that I'm not watering my landscape efficiently.  The soil around my trees and plants is alarmingly dry, but since we are in a drought, I do not want to use more water.  What can I do to ensure the water for my landscape is being used efficiently?   
Sincerely, 
                                                     Efficient Water-User 

A: Dear Efficient Water-User, 
Thank you for looking for ways to water your landscape efficiently.  The summer brings with it higher rates of evaporation, but mulch can help conserve your soil's moisture.  Use organic mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation, improve the soil and prevent weeds.  This can save you 20-30 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. each time you water.  Also, try installing drip irrigation, which directly applies water to the roots of shrubs and trees.  Learn more outdoor watering tips at www.ieua.org.  

Good luck with using water for your landscape more efficiently, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I'm a passionate water saver and pet lover.  I've used several of your water-saving tips for indoors and outdoors, but I have not seen any tips related to pet owners.  Are there any water-saving tips I can use that allow me to own pets and still save water?  
Sincerely, 
Water-Saving Pet Owner 

A: Dear Water-Saving Pet Owner, 
I am happy to hear that you are looking for ways to save water, while being a pet owner.  Pets need water just like us, but owning a pet does not mean you cannot continue to save water.  There are many water-saving pet tips you can use, including washing your pet on your lawn with eco-friendly shampoo, using your pet's old drinking water to water plants, watering your house plants with old water from your freshwater aquarium, and using water left in drinking glasses or water bottles to fill up your pet's water bowl.  These are easy tips you can use to enjoy your pets and still save water.  For more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org. 

Best of luck to you in your water-saving quest, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

 I recently moved into a new home, but the house itself is rather old.  The toilets have not been replaced in some time and are terrible water wasters.  What type of toilets should I buy to save me the most water?  
Sincerely, 
Water Wasting Remover

A: Dear Water Wasting Remover, 
Thank you for actively looking for a replacement of your water-wasting toilet.  The latest and greatest water-saving models of toilets are the Dual-Flush, “High-Efficiency Toilets.”  These toilets have two flush options, a half flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, which can use as little as .8 – 1.28 gallons per flush.  This “High-Efficiency Toilet” can save you up to 19 gallons per person/day, and if replacing a traditional toilet with this model, you can save approximately 23,000 gallons a year.  Visit www.ieua.org to learn more water-saving tips. 

Good luck with your replacement of your water-wasting toilet, 
Owlie