Save Water This Fall
When the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, most people think about cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and holiday preparations. But fall is also the perfect time to rethink how we use water. As temperatures drop and outdoor needs decrease, we naturally use less water, but with a few intentional habits, you can save even more while helping your home, garden, and community.
Here are smart, easy water-saving tips to put into practice this fall.
1. Adjust Your Outdoor Watering Schedule
As temperatures drop, grass and plants don’t need as much water. Try cutting back sprinkler time or turning your system off completely during rainy weeks. Your landscape will still thrive, and you’ll avoid unnecessary water waste.
2. Winterize Your Irrigation
Before the first freeze, drain your sprinkler system, disconnect garden hoses, and place covers over outdoor faucets. This prevents pipes from cracking or leaking during cold snaps, which can waste large amounts of water.
3. Use Autumn Rain
Fall often brings steady rain you can take advantage of. Set up a rain barrel to collect water for later use, or adjust your gutters so that runoff flows toward trees or shrubs that can use the extra moisture.
4. Mulch Your Garden
Adding a fresh layer of mulch, or even shredded fall leaves, helps soil hold onto moisture longer. This reduces how often you need to water while also protecting plant roots as winter approaches.
5. Cut Indoor Water Waste
Fall is a great time to improve indoor habits. Fix dripping faucets or running toilets, shorten your showers slightly, and wait for full loads before running the dishwasher or washing machine. Small changes add up quickly.
6. Check Home Systems
Prepare for colder months by insulating exposed pipes and setting your water heater to around 120°F. These steps reduce heat loss, save energy, and lower the amount of water you waste waiting for it to warm up.
Conclusion
Fall is a season of transition and the perfect time to adopt new water-saving habits. With a few simple adjustments, you can conserve water, protect your home, and support a healthier environment. Small actions today can have a big impact throughout winter and beyond.
