The easiest way to lower the bills we must pay to live on Long Island is avoiding excess water use. Inside our homes we may have leaks, but they can be quickly mended. For a toilet leak, replacing a worn out flapper can stop its leaking. A tightened connection on a leaky shower head will do the same and taking shorter showers will al
so help. Having a low flush toilet or installing other water-efficient appliances really helps cut non-essential water loss.
Whether we water our lawns by hand or by an automatic sprinkler system, what is really called for is how much watering is enough. By leaving the grass three inches high, the roots can develop deeper root systems that store water. Therefore, watering for a long period of time twice a week is sufficient. With an automatic sprinkler system, the installation of sensors helps to determine if enough rainfall has occurred. This will halt the next irrigation cycle.
Catching rain water is also a great way to save on water bills. This can be done by setting up a rain barrel under the gutter’s leader near your garden area. Rain water can then be used to grow vegetables and plants. Residents of the Town of North Hempstead are lucky to be able to attend seminars held at the Clark Botanical Gardens and leave with a rain barrel or compost tumbler for only $50. Otherwise, the purchase of rain barrels must be made at other nurseries or stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Finally, there are two other habits that really help in water conservation. First,it is very important to follow the water schedule of your town. Many use odd/even days and set times, such as before 10 a.m. in the morning. This avoids wasting water as the day grows hotter, and the water evaporates. The second is the washing of cars. Taking our cars to the professional services prevents excess water loss and the chemicals from driveways leeching into the groundand flowing into sewers. Ultimately, reducing water waste is more than lowering water bills; it is also the best way to maintain a healthier and fuller water system for all of us.
—Elaine Peters
