Southern California will likely see more frequent and intense droughts in the future as a result of climate change, so it’s imperative that we make water conservation a way of life, whether or not we’re currently in a drought.
Channelkeeper advocates for policies to promote water conservation while also providing resources and information to help our community conserve water.
Outdoor residential irrigation represents at least 50% of water use in our region, so reducing outdoor water use is a great place to start. Installing rainwater harvesting systems like cisterns or slimline tanks in your yard can capture large amounts of rainwater (500+ gallons) for later reuse. Other options include upgrading landscape irrigation equipment, installing smart water meters, replacing water-thirsty plants with drought-tolerant ones, and installing rain gardens and bioswales that soak up rain. Another great way to conserve water is to install a greywater harvesting system that diverts water from your washing machine (which would otherwise go to the sewage treatment plant) and reuses it to irrigate outdoor plants and trees. Many local water districts have rebates available for making your landscape more sustainable with water-wise plants and upgrading irrigation. For more info on rebates, click here.
Through Channelkeeper’s “Rein the Rain” Project, we partnered with local brewers and vintners to repurpose wooden barrels previously used to age beer and wine into rain barrels and made them available to community members. We are no longer offering this project, but gently used barrels can be purchased at local hardware stores, wineries, and on Craigslist. Earthminded offers a simple rain barrel conversion kit, specific to your downspouts, that has all the parts needed to connect your downspout to the barrel, simple instructions, and can be purchased from online retailers. Repurposed wine barrels hold approximately 60 gallons and fill quickly by capturing rain running off your roof through a downspout and storing it for later reuse for plant and landscape irrigation. Consider connecting two or more barrels together for increased water storage capacity.
Every drop counts, whether we’re in a drought or not. Please help us make water conservation a way of life!