Share your water-saving ideas (Chandler, Sun City: schools, live, softeners)

[stevek64]

Though I'm sure this site was posted before, figure I'd give the url here in case some people aren't aware of it.

Arizona Municipal Water Users Association

It has a great list low water plants and details on them, low water plants that are good around pools/low litter, class information that Burning Madolf mentioned, rebates, etc.

[Steve-o]

Here's another link showing drought-resistant flora you can plant around the Valley.

Common Question Plant Lists

[43north87west]

What I can tell you is, I hate doing dishes and laundry, so I'm self-regulating. I don't do either until each machine is full. I'm efficient in that regard.

With respect to showers, I grew up on the water. When you are away from the dock, you don't have an endless supply of fresh water to shower for a long time, so you have to limit it to whatever the boat can hold or make (or jump overboard). I love long showers, but it's really easy to use the shut off shower wands that we had in the heads, and just shut it off (like we had to) when you aren't rinsing soap off. You can get sparkling clean using a few gallons of water.

As far as pools go, I'd rather ditch all the grass in the yard than ditch a pool. It's a desert anyway.

In the long run, the Gulf of California is 150 miles away, and will likely be tapped long before serious rationing comes into play.

[MNSvenska]

Originally Posted by stevek64

Might want to rethink that:

Handwashing vs. Dishwasher : ENERGY STAR

What about water southerners? Don't they waste a lot of water? Just wondering.....

[chaparrito]

Originally Posted by MNSvenska

What about water southerners? Don't they waste a lot of water? Just wondering.....

They do if they backflush. Crazy southerners.

[Voebe]

I'd add that I think more attention should be paid to sprinkling/irrigation. People should water at night, so that less is lost to evaporation in the sun. And I think the city should get involved with sprinklers that aren't adjusted properly, so much of the water it pointed over sidewalks and into streets (also creating a potential hazard for pedestrians). And I think they should crack down on misting systems.

[AZgarden]

When the dog needs a bath, I take him into the shower with me and we both get clean.

Can't do anything about the grass in the front, cause the HOA demands it. But at least its watered with reclaimed water.

[Burning Madolf]

Originally Posted by PhxBarb

When the dog needs a bath, I take him into the shower with me and we both get clean.

Can't do anything about the grass in the front, cause the HOA demands it. But at least its watered with reclaimed water.

How does the reclaimed water work?

[FloppyRunner]

I apologize for being too lazy to look through this thread to see if it's already been said, but one thing you can do at least from July through September (maybe October?) is place a big bucket under your A/C condensation line. I keep my house at 80 and I get quite a bit! Haven't needed to draw extra water for any of my plants in quite some time... I think the air is too dry in June and before...

[AZgarden]

Originally Posted by Burning Madolf

How does the reclaimed water work?

I really have no idea how it works. It comes from the water in the ponds and lakes around here. All I know is the valves that go to the sprinklers in the grass and plant areas are circulated through pumps that are reclaimed water. Ocotillo maintains this and it saves a bunch on the water bill. My total bill including garbage and water is $54.00 every month paid to Chandler. So I guess the reclaimed is free. We recently got a letter from Ocotillo saying we all have to paint our valve covers purple to signify its reclaimed water. I only had lavender paint at home, so mine is a little light ! LOL.