Voluntary water conservation important during times of drought

Brunswick County is among several eastern North Carolina counties currently experiencing a severe drought.

It creates an unfortunate situation where crops, lawns and gardens need extra water, but it also puts strain on the local water system.

Current water usage throughout Brunswick County is almost at capacity. About 24 million gallons are being used by water customers each day. The county’s capacity is 30 million gallons per day.

If water usage continues at this level, the county will have no choice but to put mandatory restrictions in place. 

That means we all need to do our part now to cut back on water usage before it gets to that point.

If you’re watering your lawn every day, remember, you don’t need to. There is no benefit to over-saturating your grass. Reduce watering to every other day. 

Use this helpful tip from the county extension service: When watering your lawn, put an empty tuna can or cat-food can out. When it’s full or if water starts to run off your lawn, shut the water off. Your lawn only needs about an inch of water every week.

Don’t water your lawns in the heat of the day; evaporation will lead to water loss.

And better yet, check which way your sprinklers are facing. There is no need to water the road or sidewalk, no matter how hot they may get.

If you enjoy outside chores such as pressure-washing your house or deck or washing your car, focus on other projects right now that don’t use water. Instead of spraying off your sidewalk or driveway, get some exercise and push a broom instead.

Inside the home, don’t run extra water when it’s not necessary. Shut off the water when you’re washing dishes; don’t let it continually run. Take shorter showers and run your dishwasher only when it’s full. You can also change your showerheads and toilets to more water-efficient types.

One of the great things about cutting back your water usage is it will not only help the county and your neighbors, it could reduce your water bill. In this economy, most of us need to find as many ways to save money as we can. Why not help yourself while helping others?

If we all do our part and voluntarily reduce our water usage, hopefully we can help cut back on the overall consumption total for the county. This will benefit us all when we can get through the summer without being placed under mandatory restrictions.

 Do your part; we don’t know how long this drought will last.