We can and should look upriver to scrutinize how water is being used, to assure that it is being used efficiently and insist that enough water remain in the main stem rivers to support the anadromous fish that have returned to these waters for millions of years, and are now on the brink of survival.  However, we also need to keep in mind that we live upstream from other  communities, and our use of water impacts those downstream of us.  Water’s mobile nature instructs us to conserve it wherever it is found.  If we take only what we need from the creek, stream or river and use it wisely, we can set an example for the entire watershed. 

     Here are some of the most important steps you can take to conserve water:

1.     Repair leaks – Use washers to repair leaks in the home and in outdoor faucets.  Use hose washers in your garden hoses to make sure you’re watering your garden and not the weeds.

2.     Use drip or microsprinkler irrigation rather than impact (Rainbird) sprinklers.  Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant, reduces plants stress, reduces disease problems, and saves time, energy & money.  Don’t water during the heat of the day, water in the early morning or late evenings to reduce loss to wind and evaporation. 

3.     Lose the Lawn.  Lawns are the single highest water consumer in the garden and landscape.

4.     Replace your toilet, the largest water user in the home.  If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, then it is very likely that you do not have a water efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilet. You can check the date stamp inside the toilet by lifting the lid and looking at the back of the toilet at the manufacturer's imprint of the make, model and date of manufacture.  A water displacement bag or a brick placed in an older toilet will reduce the amount of water used with each flush without impairing the toilets function.

5.     Be sure to return any water diversions back to the creek. 

6.     Use native and drought tolerant plants in your landscape.  Native, drought tolerant plants require less work and less water to thrive.

7.     Dispose of petroleum products and chemicals properly.  Old containers and old cars eventually leak and contaminate soil, groundwater and creeks. 

     Mark Dupont
Sandy Bar Ranch & Nursery
Nursery Web Site: www.sandybarnursery.com

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