Southscapes Spring 2008

Water Conservation

Water conservation steps into state spotlight

By Kristen Plank and Stephanie Schupska

In 2007, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension moved up its focus on water, joining both statewide and university-based conservation efforts.

"Water is a valuable resource, and we can save it by cutting back on what we use," said Mark Risse, an Extension engineer who is working closely with UGA's indoor water conservation effort known as Make Every Drop Count.

They also partnered with the Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division's already progressing waterSmart campaign, which focuses on outdoor water use. EPD contacted the Extension last year during their promotion process for waterSmart and asked "if we could marry the Extension water program with what we were doing," said EPD waterSmart director Deron Davis. "It was a no-brainer."

Together, the state agencies put forth a plan to promote water conservation.
Extension agents are now implementing both indoor and outdoor programs
statewide.

To help conserve water indoors and outdoors, Risse gives the following tips:

Indoor tips

• Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
• Scrape dishes before loading the dishwasher instead of pre-rinsing.
• Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving.
• Compost vegetable scraps instead of using a garbage disposal.
• Put a bucket in the shower to collect initial cold water.
• Install a faucet aerator to reduce water flow.
• Repair faucet and toilet leaks.

Outdoor tips

• Water a plant only when it needs it. Check the soil first.
• Mulch plants to help water infiltrate the soil and stay moist.
• Group plants together based on specific water needs.
• Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater from the roof.
• Aerate a lawn at least once a year to improve water and nutrient movement.
• Use drip irrigation to apply water directly to plant roots.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn to help reduce moisture loss.
• Kill weeds. They compete with plants for nutrients and moisture.

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