How do I help conserve water?
Not only does owning a water feature add beauty and serenity to your outdoor space, but it also comes with the responsibility of using water wisely. In a time when water conservation is increasingly important, there are a few steps you can take as a fountain or pond owner to minimize your water usage. Additionally, the less water you have to add, the more money you save on your water bill. Conserving water is a win/win for everyone!
Choose the Right Landscaping
Plants play a good sized role in the water level around your pond. Drought tolerant plants around your water feature instead of water-hungry plants around the edges of your pond is one way to reduce water absorption. Native plants can often be good choices, as they are already adapted to our local Minnesotan environment. Additionally, getting some plants directly into the water to cover more surface area and provide shade can reduce overall water evaporation. The more sunlight hitting the surface of your pond, the more evaporation that will occur.
Wind can also play a considerable part in water loss. The more wind blowing over your fountain or pond, the faster evaporation will occur. Planting a wind break or even building a landscaping wall to protect your pond can create a cozy, protected haven out of harsher weather.
Regular Maintenance
Prevention is key to minimizing water loss. Leaks can drain your water faster than anything else can do. One leak allowing water to escape directly into will do more than slower evaporation. If you allow a leak in your liner to go unrepaired, you could end up with your feature high and dry. Regularly check for leaks and monitor your water levels so that you know when there’s a drastic change in your fill point. If you find a leak, repair it immediately to minimize water loss. If you aren’t sure what to be looking for, check out our YouTube video showing how to repair a hole in your liner and ask us about our pond repair.
On top of leak prevention, keep your filters clean. A clean filter keeps water moving better which boosts overall system efficiency. An inefficient system can cause water to turn stale and lead to water turnover loss from a dead system. This is one reason the falls can be so important, as fresh and aerated water reduces the need for new fresh water to be added to the system. Every part works together. While not as major of a contributor to overall water loss as a leak is, every drop counts!
By implementing any one of these water-saving strategies, you have a part in water conservation. Not only do these practices help your environment, but they can also lead to lower utility bills and a more sustainable, eco-friendly water feature.