Water
Water is a precious resource, and natural systems are of critical value for their ability to store, clean, and distribute water.
Why is Water Management Important?
Clean water has become increasingly scarce in the west.
The shortage of clean water is rapidly becoming one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity. By learning specific water reuse and conservation strategies, gardeners can utilize non-potable water sources to irrigate their garden or landscape. Sustainable gardens capture water resources, store them on-site, and reuse them. Doing so saves money and protects nearby ecosystems from harmful pollutants.
Only .003 percent of the earth’s water is available for human consumption and yet a significant amount of clean, potable water continues to be used for irrigation of landscapes.
Americans apply more than 7 billion gallons of water a day to landscapes. However, many of these landscapes and irrigation systems have not been optimized for sustainability.
Scientists have warned that, within as little as 50 years, many regions of the US could see freshwater supplies reduced by a third (source). Despite this, stormwater (precipitation runoff) is often viewed as a waste product and removed from the landscape instead of being captured and re-used for irrigation.
The Role of Water
Water use plays a key role in creating sustainable landscapes.
Water supports entire ecosystems and sustains our lives. It’s essential for producing food, clothing, and electronics; transporting waste; and supporting the natural environment. The effects of climate change vary regionally, but sustainable water management and low-impact development strategies can provide a wide range of benefits.
Turf and Lawns
Grass lawns are less sustainable.
Depending on the species, lawns can require a lot of water to maintain, and traditional sprinklers may not use water as efficiently as other methods. Drip irrigation systems, diverse plantings, and xeriscaping are excellent alternatives for conserving water and supporting a more sustainable landscape.
Water Features
Landscape features can help conserve water.
Water features can be used to conserve precious rainwater. As water runs off a roof and into gutters, it can be directed through a gravel bioswale and into a small pond. Stones and porous pavers can be used to reduce the area of impervious surface and slow runoff.
Sustainable vs. unsustainable gardens
| Sustainable Landscape | Unsustainable Landscape |
|---|---|
| Manages stormwater on site. Uses stormwater as a resource to sustain the landscape. | Treats stormwater as a waste product that is quickly removed from the site, contributing to water pollution. |
| Minimizes the use of potable water. Supplements water in the landscape with on-site alternatives such as harvested rainwater, stormwater, or air conditioner condensate. | Most irrigation systems use municipal drinking water. |
| Actively manages irrigation system with weather and time of day in mind. | Actively manages the irrigation system with weather and time of day in mind. |
| Ongoing maintenance of irrigation systems is performed to reduce leaks and waste. | Irrigation systems are not often maintained or checked for leaks. |
| Hardscape surfaces are easily infiltrated by water. | Impervious surfaces lead to increased runoff. |
| Appropriate plants are selected for the local climate. | Plants are chosen solely for aesthetic purposes, without considering water requirements. |
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