[Raptor235]

ith a housing boom taking place in America today, landscaping is one of the first things on everyone’s mind. How do I make my garden grow to increase property value? Everyone knows that a nicely landscaped yard makes a better looking home.

But with unpredictable weather, various regions of the U.S. have experienced droughts and lower rainfall averages. And with our various natural resources becoming in higher demand, water could be next.

Fresh Water Prediction

This is true especially when you take into account the fact that out of all the water in the world, only 3% is actually fresh water. With humans already consuming 54% of our reusable water sources, many are concerned about where our future drinking water will come from. It is predicted that by 2025, it will grow to be consumed at 70%.

Not only because of water conservation reasons are people concerned, but also for the sake of our pocketbooks. Rising gas prices have made it a necessity to find other places to cut our bills. We simply can’t afford another expensive utility like our gas and electricity bills have already become.

More at http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/environment/saving-water

[cats3]

I use a plain old trash can (plastic) as a rain catchment.
I place it under the gutter to catch the water and, when full, cover it with a top.

Sometimes, if needed, I put some anti-mosquito stuff in there.
The plants don't seem to mind.

My cats don't drink out of it when the mosquito stuff is in there.
Hey, the cats don't drink the nice filtered water in their bowl either.
They prefer to drink out of a freshly flushed toilet bowl! (I suppose the water is (somewhat?) clean there...

[horselover]

It is a good idea. I only have a garden so there's no lawn to worry about. I guess if you made something yourself, you could save on the cost of buying an offical rain barrel.

[cats3]

I even use the leftover water in a glass to give to the plants on my windowsill...

[horselover]

That works too.

Good question is if you can put winter snow to use once it melts. Would you be able to store some of it when it falls to save for spring usage?

[jayL]

Reminds me of the purified water the monks use in China. They collect snow and put it inside a well. After the winter season, they use the same water to make tea.

[horselover]

Think that it would be possible to do that here? Although, and correct me if I'm wrong, those monks would be living close to the mountains where the snow would be more pure?

But I'm just thinking along the lines of saving it for garden watering, or hey, maybe even helping to fill up your pool if you have one. That would help save on consumption.