Water Conservation: Let us Move now

According to the water Australia, about 10% of Australian energy demand is used to treat, pump and heat water. Reduce water waste and improve the energy efficiency of your home with tips and information from Conservation Conversations!

So act now. Let us work together to conserve water by using conservation tools like rainwater tanks or other tanks that can be useful in conserving water. Go and share your knowledge in conserving water.

Another Water Conservation To Work Out

The blog and the Water Education Foundation is dedicated to educating all of us about the water issues affecting Australia, and therefore, all of us all around the world.  They want to create a better understanding of general water issues and help resolve water resource problems through educational means and awareness.   They provide educational resources, recommended reading, data on the current California water crisis, research and more.

Here, at The Reef Tank, we've come to look to Aquafornia and the Water Education Foundation, for suggestions that are useful for anyone.    One of the best things I've come to find on their site, which can be used by one and all, is their amazing list of Water Conservation Tips for outdoor and indoor use.

OUTDOOR:

1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. If you step on it and it springs back after you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. Set your sprinklers for more days in between watering.

2. Adjust your sprinklers so that the water lands on the lawn or garden where it belongs – and only there.

3. Water during the cool parts of the day. Do not water between 10am and 6pm to minimize evaporation. Early morning is better than dusk – watering at dusk can lead to growth of fungus.

4. Water your landscape in cycles by reducing the number of minutes on your timer and using multiple start times spaced one hour apart. This allows the water to soak into the soil and avoids runoff.

5. Don’t water the lawn on windy days as there is too much evaporation.

6. Cut down on watering on cool and overcast days and don’t water in the rain. Adjust or deactivate automatic sprinklers. Turn them back on only when needed.

7. Consider installing a smart sprinkler system with an automatic rain shutoff device.

8. Aerate your lawn by punching small holes in it about 6 inches apart. This will allow water to penetrate to the roots and lessen runoff.

9. Install drip irrigation systems for trees, shrubs and flowers.

10. Set lawn mover blades one notch higher. Longer grass means less evaporation.

11. Replace your lawn and thirsty plants with less thirsty ones. Consider drought-tolerant plants in areas that are hard to water or receive little use.

12. Apply as little fertilizer to your lawn as possible. Applying excess fertilizer increases water consumption and creates more mowing for you.

13. Water brown spots by hand instead of increasing the time on the sprinklers. Remember, too, that not all brown spots are from lack of water. The problem could be grubs that feed on the root system and kill it. Contact a local nursery professional.

14. Visually inspect your sprinkler system once a month during daylight hours.

15. Don’t run the hose when washing your car. Use a spray stopper, a bucket, and give it a quick rinse at the end.

16. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways & sidewalks.

17. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to slow down evaporation.

18. If you have a pool, use a pool cover to cut down on evaporation.

19. Dispose of hazardous waste properly. One quart of oil washed down the gutters can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water, eliminating that much from the water supply

INDOOR:

1. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints.

2. Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors.

3. Take shorter showers. Even a 1 to 2 minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

4. When taking a bath, start filling the tub with the drain already plugged instead of waiting first for the water to get warm. Adjust the temperature as the tub begins to fill.

5. Run only full loads in the washing machine & dishwasher.

6. Consider replacing older washing machines and dishwashers with new, water-efficient models. Check with your local water supplier to see if any rebates are available.

7. Don’t use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket; throw it away instead.

8. Capture the water while waiting for hot water to come down the pipes, and use this water for plants or your garden.

9. Put a plastic bottle or plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in your toilet tank to displace water and use less water per flush.

10. Check your toilet for leaks by putting dye tablets or food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak that should be repaired.

11. Check to assure that your toilet’s flapper valve doesn’t stay open after flushing.

12. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth & while shaving.

13. If you wash dishes by hand, don’t let the water run continuously for rinsing. Use a sprayer to rinse, or rinse all the soapy dishes at once. Or, fill a second sink with rinse water and use that instead.

14. When washing dishes by hand, use the least amount of detergent possible; this will minimize the amount of water needed for rinsing.

15. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator, instead of letting the tap water run to cool it for drinking.

16. Select one glass to use for drinking each day. It will take your dishwasher longer to fill up, and it will not need to be used as frequently.

17. Let your pots and pans soak instead of letting water run while you clean them.

18. Consider purchasing an instant water heater for your kitchen sink so you don’t waste water waiting for hot water to come down the pipes.

19. Don’t defrost frozen foods with running water; plan ahead by placing frozen items in the refrigerator the night before, or use a microwave to defrost them.

20. Don’t let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Rinse them in a filled sink or pan, and use this water for watering your garden or houseplants.

21. Use the garbage disposal less. Consider composting.
22. Install aerators on every faucet.

23. Insulate your water pipes. You’ll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while waiting for hot water to come down the pipes.

Keep on finding another task of water conservation. Rainwater tanks are very usefull in conserving water. Find water tank products like metal tanks or round tanks for your water system.

Handy Tips for Water Conservation

Look at this video from Warren high School. This is an amazing video that serve as guide for your kids how to conserve water. in this video, you will get some handy tips for water conservation. in which kids are able to do as well. in preparing for worthy water system, you can choose underground water tank or find some durable tank material like metal water tank.

See about this blog at http://www.centralbasin.org/blog/2012/06/08/warren-high-school-2012/#more-2360

Water Conservation On The GO

1. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

2. Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

3. Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

4. Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.

5. To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.

6. Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.

7. Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.

8. Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.

9. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.

10. Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

11. Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

12. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.

13. Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.

14. Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.

15. Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.

16. Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.

17. If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.



18. Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

For more info, you can visit rainwater tank australia for you to find more products of rainwater tanks that can serve as tools for water conservation.

Important Purpose of Having Rainwater Tank

Rainwater is free and this means you can have your tank connected to your outdoor taps as well as hoses at no cost, as they will rely on natural systems for delivery. It helps you save on the amount that you spend on water since it relatively reduces your consumption of mains water. As a matter of fact, you can make bigger savings by connecting the tank to your washing machine, toilet or hot water system.

Rainwater has been found to be better for your garden than grey water. You are therefore encouraged to include a rainwater tank in your design if you are planning a new house. It is also recommended that you should use rain water on your garden as it is the best quality alternative to mains water. In addition, with rainwater tanks you will be able to sustain your garden even during periods of hot, dry weather.
You have a ready source of drinking water. It is also generally less salty and this makes it better for plants and appliances. However, if you live in an urban area, rainwater is not recommended for drinking as it may easily be contaminated by animals as well as through pollution. It is important that you take good care of your underground rainwater tank in order to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in it.

Rainwater tanks come in various designs and sizes and you will always find one that is suitable for your needs. However, you need to arrange for a suitable space for your tank at the planning stage. Also, be sure to invest in a bigger tank to avoid running out of water during the dry season.

By reducing the amount of storm water runoff into oceans and rivers, a rainwater tank lowers the impact that takes place on the environment. By owning such a tank, you therefore make a positive contribution towards the environment.

Clearly, there are various benefits of owning rainwater tanks and you do not have to live in a tropical or wet area in order to reap such benefits. In short, they are worth investing in.

Rainwater Tanks: The Best Friend of Gardeners

Everyone loves a lush green garden but unfortunately the Australian climate is not exactly suited to this type of garden. We have plenty of sunshine but most of us are lacking water. Consequently most cities are facing water restrictions and limited to the days we can water. Unless you have drought tolerant plants then your garden will go thirsty. Here's one way to have your green garden without using more than your share. Using rainwater tanks is the perfect way for you to create the garden of your dreams and keep it green all year round. The most important part of the operation is to have enough rainwater tanks and the right types of systems to suit your needs and your gardens. Slimline tanks are great for small blocks because you put them out of the way and grow plants around them to hide them. Some tanks can even be used as wall panels or fencing. If you can't afford a big tank, use a modular tank so you can start with one and join on another one next year. Slimline tanks are typically round or elliptical, and can look a bit unsightly in your backyard however some new tanks are rectangular and flat so that fit together and look just like a normal wall or fence

Using underground rainwater tank for your gardens is also a great idea because you don't have to do anything to the water before you use it for your plants and vegetables. In fact, some research shows the water even healthier than watering them out of your own water supply, depending on where your local water comes from. Water from the tap is treated with chemicals to make sure there is no harmful bacteria, strange colours or smells. The water is then delivered through underground pipes which can be over 50 years old! Compare that to rainwater which falls directly from the sky.

Rainwater Tank System: Useful Tips in Harvesting Rainwaters

Rainwater harvesting simply collects the rain which fall onto roofs, then stores it in a tank until required for use. When required, the water is then pumped to the point of use or to a secondary tank (header tank or break tank), thus displacing what would otherwise be a demand for mains-water. In the process, a volume of water is kept out of the storm-water management system, thereby helping to reduce flooding risks. Rainwater harvesting is not a new concept; however, over the last century its use has diminished with the availability of a clean, inexpensive and reliable water source through the mains supply.

More recently, water demand has started to exceed supply, and localised flooding has become an issue. Industry experts are now recognising the important role that rainwater harvesting (also known as rainwater recycling, and greywater recycling) has to play in alleviating both these problems. With strategic water planners looking to reduce the amount of water consumption per head going forward. Solutions such as rainwater harvesting will play a critical role. Rainwater is captured from the roof(s), and brought to a central point, via normal guttering and down-pipes, to enter a storage tank (frequently underground), where it is filtered on entry. A highly efficient and reliable submersible pump delivers the water to a service on demand. Depending on the circumstances a secondary tank (header tank) can be used to gravity feed the water to the point of use.

The size of the storage tank is determined by considering the amount of water available for storage (a function of roof size and local average rainfall), and the amount of water likely to be used (a function of buildings occupancy and function). It is very important not to over-size the rainwater tank too much. An over-sized tank may result in a lower than expected quality of water.
Considerations for fitting a rainwater collection system to an existing property

• The external drainage from the roof needs to be modified to bring the water to a central point.
• Access for the tank and excavation is required.
• Internal plumbing is usually required to be separated out from the drinking (incl. bathing) water from the non-drinking water (WC, washing machine & outside tap.)

Get Benefited With Rainwater Tanks

In the past, rainwater tanks were a common feature of the Australian landscape, but they’ve almost disappeared from our cities now. The majority of Australian households get their water from a reticulated supply. In the 1990s, 16% of households used a rainwater tank and for 13% it was their main source of drinking water.

In recent years, however, the long-lasting drought in many parts of the country and widespread water restrictions have drawn attention to water conservation issues and put rainwater tanks right back onto urban agendas. Many local councils, water suppliers and state governments have been encouraging residents to install a rainwater tank, usually with the offer of a rebate.

The potential benefits of installing a rainwater tank are plentiful, and you don’t need to live in a wet or tropical area to reap them. South Australia, the country’s driest state, has the highest rate of rainwater tank usage. More than half the households there have one, and for more than a third it’s their main source of drinking water., With a rainwater tank products, you’ll:
1. Collect most of the rain (around 80%) that falls onto the areas of your roof you have connected to gutters and downpipes into your tank. For example, if 10 mm of rain falls on to 100 m2 of roof you’ll ‘harvest’ about 800 L of rainwater. That’s about as much as an average Sydney household of three would use in a day if they made no efforts to save water. If they did, they’d get their consumption down to around 500–600 L a day.

2. Reduce your consumption of mains water and, in the long term, cut your water bill. Your water supplier may be able to give you an indication of the savings you can expect.

3. Lower your impact on the environment by reducing your demand on mains water as well as the amount of stormwater runoff into rivers and oceans.

4. ‘Harvest’ water that tastes better and is generally less salty, which is better for appliances and plants.

Ways to Install Rainwater Tanks

Rainwater tanks are an eco-friendly device used to store rain water runoff collected by the gutters on your roof. During a half-inch rainfall, a 50-gallon rain water tank can fill up. This water is safe for outdoor uses such as watering gardens and lawns, washing tools or keeping compost bins moist. Storing rain water reduces your domestic water bill and city's water demands and also helps the environment by conserving water. Rain water tanks are available for purchase at your local garden center; alternatively, you can modify a plastic drum to serve as a rainwater tank system.

Instructions:
1. Clean the rain water tank with a mixture of 1/8 cup bleach and 5 gallons water.
2. Drill a 15/16-inch hole near the bottom of the rain water tank for the drain hole, and insert a 3/4-inch spigot. Make sure the hole is far enough off the ground to attach a garden hose or fill watering cans.
3. Lay a secure cinder block foundation underneath the downspout next to your house. Layer blocks in a crisscross pattern if more than one layer is needed for added support.
4. Place the rain water tank on top of the foundation.
5. Cut the downspout with a fine-toothed hacksaw, leaving enough length to allow the downspout to reach the top of the rain water tank.
6. Attach one end of the flexible downspout extender to the downspout previously cut and the other end to the opening on the top of the rain water tank. If the tank does not have a hole in the top, drill a hole large enough to insert the downspout extender.

Choose Undergorund and Backyard Rainwater Tank

Rainwater tanks can be placed anywhere you want them to be, provided it is conducive to its working. It is of utmost importance that the inlet is right below the guttering if you want to harvest rain water from the roof. You will find many different shapes of tanks which can be placed either above the ground or under it.

Torrential rains and extreme heat and cold may have an adverse effect on tanks installed above the ground; they can catch fire or get damaged during heavy showers and strong winds. When rain water tanks are installed below the ground, roots of trees can hamper its structure and also contaminate the water, this quite naturally is not an issue with above the ground rain water tanks. You can opt for rainwater tanks that are uncovered if they are installed above the ground but not in ones installed underground. It is not safe and has the risk of soil, faeces, pesticides entering it during rains as surface run offs. Installing above the ground rain water tanks is much easier and doesn’t require excavation as in the case of rain water tanks installed below. Maintenance of poly rain water tanks above the ground is much easier as well.

Weigh out all your options before installing your rain water tank. You also have the chose the type and shape of the tank. You can choose between steel, wood, concrete, fibre glass and polyethylene (poly) water tanks. There are also many shapes you can choose from. There are round tanks that are very popular all over the world and that can hold a large capacity of water. You can also go in for the slimline tanks that are great on the side of a wall and behind the house. You also have rain water tanks that are ornate and specifically designed to add to the façade of the house and many more to chose from.