Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Easy Steps to Saving Water

This post first published earlier in the year, but with summer coming on and a possible water shortage looming for Sonoma Valley, we think it wouldn't be a bad idea to review it one more time.

The importance of efficient use of potable water should be a no brainer, but it's sometimes easy to get distracted by other things. Take a little time now to audit your plumbing system and honestly examine your use of water. There's never a better time to save water.


Reducing unnecessary water use doesn’t just make for good karma, it saves you money on your water bill! But why wait for the summer months – when water usage reaches its peak - to think about saving water? Act now to reduce use. When summertime comes you'll have a better idea of how much water you really use inside - before you turn on the irrigation outside.

First and foremost - stop the leaks
You’d be surprised how much water goes down the drain as a result of leaking faucets and connections or running toilets. If you need the cold hard facts, visit this USGS website to find out just how much one leaky faucet can set back your water budget. Check it out.

Also, it’s a good idea to have a separate shut-off for your irrigation system so that if leaks develop outside – and they often do – you can shut your system down until repairs can be made without affecting the house supply.

Replace your old water-hungry toilet
The toilet is certainly the largest water user inside your house, so take advantage of the Sonoma County Water Agency’s rebate program and replace any old non low flow toilets. The water agency will reimburse Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District customers (sewer customers, not septic users) $150 for each high-efficiency toilet installed in a residence and $260 for each low flow toilet installed in a business – when you are replacing an old non low flow model. Not bad!

...and water-hungry clothes washer
Rebates are also available for installing water efficient clothes washers; check with Valley of the Moon Water District (996-1037) or City of Sonoma (938-3681) for more info on what appliances qualify for rebate. On septic? You may still qualify for the same rebates if you are a Valley of the Moon Water District customer or get your water from the City of Sonoma. Check with your water supplier for details.

Choose appropriate plants
Customers in our service area enjoy a Mediterranean climate, which means hot dry summers. With so many wonderful choices available, there's really no excuse for watering plants adapted to a different climate. Reducing turf area to a sensible minimum and growing plants best suited for your area automatically reduces your irrigation use.

...as long as you follow through and water less, that is
Duh! But you'd be surprised - you might even surprise yourself. Seriously, remember to adjust your watering schedule to match your new heat- and sun-loving landscape. Also, include plenty of hose bibs in your outside set-up for easy hand watering and spot watering.

Would you like more information? Visit www.h2ouse.org for more details on wise water use. Or e-mail us here at Boden Plumbing.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

When Gray is Green

(from Using Graywater in Your Home Landscape Graywater Guide, California Department of Water Resources, January 1995)

Tired of watching your bath and laundry water go down the drain when it could be put to good use on your landscape? Did you know that it's safe - and legal - to reuse that "graywater"?

In addition to conserving water and probably reducing your water and sewer bills, you will also be drought-proofing your landscape by using graywater. Since more than half of your indoor water can be reused as graywater, during shortages, when outdoor watering may be restricted, you will have a constant source of water. With landscapes valued at between 5 percent and 10 percent of the value of a home, this back-up supply of water may be an important economic insurance policy for you.

Graywater is distributed subsurface and can be used to efficiently maintain lawns, fruit trees, flowers, shrubs and groundcovers. The type of plants it can not be used to irrigate is vegetables (i.e. your edible plants).

Find out more about graywater at the links below. Or contact us here at Boden Plumbing to find out about the options for your home. info@nodrips.com or 996-8683

:: Info on graywater
:: California Graywater Guide
:: more info on graywater and ecological design
:: NRDC Onearth article

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