About Magazine Issue 32 - Summer 2006

Drought season

We all know that water’s short this summer, with hosepipe bans and drought orders all over the news. You may be thinking that what you do in your home doesn’t really make a difference, but that’s not the case. We’re all responsible for conserving water, so here we tell you what we’re doing to save water and offer some tips so you can do the same.

What we’re doing:

• Reducing the number of hanging baskets by half, using decorative wind socks as an alternative
• Watering bedding plants with water from the stream and reservoir in Alexandra Park
• Using plants that require less water and planting drought tolerant plants
• Applying mulches to much of the planting
• Watering early and late in the day to avoid excess evaporation
• Using wetting agents on fine turf
• Using water retention agents in containerised displays
• Watering sports turf sparingly at night
• Reducing the scale of the Hastings in Bloom competition, taking water saving measures into account in the judging
• Not using fountains or pressure washers on the foreshore

What you can do:

• Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl rather than under a running tap and use the left over water for watering houseplants.
• Use the minimum amount of water required when you boil water in saucepans and kettles
• Try keeping a bottle or jug of water in the fridge instead of running taps until the water runs cold
• Try not to leave the tap running while you brush your teeth, shave or wash your hands
• Take showers instead of baths
• Replace worn washers to stop taps dripping
• Try to only use your washing machine when you have a full load
• Get a water butt in your garden to collect rainwater for plants
• Use a watering can instead of a hose

For more information on the water shortage see www.southernwater.co.uk or www.environment-agency.gov.uk

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