Northern Nevada really comes to life during the summertime. It’s when residents take to the hiking trails and tourists return to take in the staggering beauty of Lake Tahoe. Unfortunately, residents throughout the area are also bracing themselves for sky-high water bills that come with yard maintenance and other normal daily activities. Don’t get gouged by your water company this summer. We’ve put together some easy tips to help reduce your water use this season so you can enjoy lower bills and a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Natural grass requires daily watering in order to maintain that lush, green look that most people enjoy so much. Consider a drought-tolerant landscape design instead, using plants that are native to your region. If you are in doubt about whether a plant is native to your area, contact the Nevada Native Plant Society or view their publications, which include visual guides to help you navigate landscaping intelligently. Xeriscaping or artificial turf landscaping installations can also help curb water use during the high season.
Low-Flow Shower Heads
Low-flow shower heads are relatively inexpensive, can be found at your local hardware store, and are extremely easy to install. They also offer numerous benefits when it comes to saving money on your home water bill. The amount of water your shower uses is based on two numbers: gallons per minute (GPM) and pounds per square inch (PSI). Older shower heads used to deliver anywhere from 5 to 8 GPM. Low-flow shower heads today typically only deliver 2.5 GPM at 80 PSI. There are a lot of low-flow options you can choose from, so be sure to do some research before heading out to get yours. The best part? Most homeowners don’t even miss all that extra water.
Avoid Permanent Press
Most permanent press cycles on washing machines use five more gallons of water than other cycles because they incorporate an additional rinse. This extra step is often unnecessary for most loads of laundry you do at home. To conserve more water in the laundry room, you can invest in a washer that is Energy Star-approved as well to help save even more on energy costs.
Fix Leaks Quickly
Be on the lookout for leaky faucets and outdoor irrigation that gives off more water than you originally intended. Hot, dry weather can cause rubber irrigation tubes to crack, which means regular maintenance is required to keep them in good condition. If your water bill spikes suddenly, it’s a pretty good indication that a leaky pipe or tube is the culprit.
Know Your Rights
NRS 116.330 maintains that all homeowners have a right to install drought-tolerant landscaping. This means that everyone, regardless of homeowners’ association (HOA) affiliation, can install landscaping that reduces their water use. This is more than just a cost-saving measure; it’s environmentally-friendly, too. Homeowners should note that NRS 116.330 applies to everything from artificial grass turf to decorative rock. The options are endless when it comes to your landscape.
We hear from homeowners in nearly every part of Nevada, from Gardnerville to Minden, Dayton, Genoa, Sparks, and even the heart of Reno. Our artificial grass installations are a big step toward environmentally-friendly practices that also help you save money year-round. When paired with other water-saving habits, households can save hundreds of dollars every year. Contact us today to learn more about water-smart solutions for your home.
