Designing a water-smart garden doesn’t have to be complicated or require a total yard makeover. With a few key principles, you can create a beautiful, water-efficient landscape that thrives in any climate while reducing water use and maintenance. Water-smart landscaping, often called Xeriscaping, is about something other than turning your yard into a barren space […]
People are often surprised when they learn we have water scarcity issues in the United States. For example, Flint, Michigan, experienced water issues for over six years. In 2014, a change in water supply from Lake Huron and the Detroit River to the Flint River caused severe problems for residents of Flint, Michigan. High levels […]
As we move closer to Thanksgiving, it’s hard to believe that the first freeze date is around the corner for many regions. While it may still feel hot and dry right now, cooler weather is on its way, and gardeners need to be prepared for the changing conditions. Fall and winter gardening brings a new […]
As the rainy season approaches Southern California, I am reminded the Surfrider Foundation strongly recommended avoiding swimming or surfing after rainfall. Urban runoff and leaking sewer pipes can drastically increase water pollution, posing significant health risks. Surfers, for instance, should ideally wait 72 hours before returning to the water. During this period, the ocean may […]
Trees play an essential role in water management. As the New York Times pointed out, “Trees are nature’s water filters, capable of cleaning up the most toxic wastes, including explosives, solvents, and organic wastes, largely through a dense community of microbes around the tree’s roots that clean water in exchange for nutrients, a process known […]
As summer fades into autumn’s warm, rich colors, our landscapes undergo a breathtaking transformation. Yet, amid this seasonal beauty lies a hidden challenge that often goes unnoticed: a significant increase in landscape water waste. Surprisingly, the fall season can lead to more water waste than any other time. This phenomenon may be off the radar […]
As the primary growing season draws to a close, fields that once brimmed with lush crops may seem dormant. However, for many forward-thinking farmers, the end of one season marks the start of another: the off-season. During the fall and winter months, this period offers a valuable opportunity to plant cover crops, delivering several significant […]
If you live in a major metropolitan area and receive water from a water company, Chlorine or chloramine is likely added to the water as a disinfectant. This is excellent news because Chlorine or chloramine kills disease-causing germs like salmonella and norovirus. However, when I was shelling out money for yet another load of worm […]
In 2024, water is no longer just a vital resource; it’s an economic commodity whose management has become more crucial than ever. With water prices skyrocketing across the globe, communities and governments are being forced to rethink how they use and conserve this indispensable resource. The balance between ensuring access to clean water and promoting […]
Living in an area with hard water often makes installing a water-softening system seem like a no-brainer. After all, no one wants to deal with spotty dishes, bathtub rings, or dull hair. However, traditional salt-based water softeners have several hidden drawbacks impacting water management, conservation, and the environment. Understanding these challenges might change how you […]