How You Can Help Be Water Wise
There are many ways you can help save on water usage inside and outside of your home that, over time, make a big impact on helping the community of Ottawa County preserve our limited groundwater source. Below are different ways you can learn about actions and strategies you can take to make an impact.
Outside Your Home
Water-Conscious Landscapes
Slide the bar below to see an example of a turf lawn converting to a water-conscious landscape.
Convert your turfgrass into native plant landscapes.
A well-manicured landscape is pleasing to the eye and adds curb appeal to any home or place of business. But traditional turfgrass lawns consume a significant amount of water.
More than 8 billion gallons of water are used for lawn and landscaping irrigation in the United States each year, and Ottawa County’s yards are no exception. With increased pressure on local groundwater resources, traditional landscape cultivation and irrigation habits must change.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to reducing our outdoor water use. With help from our Groundwater Sustainability Initiative partners, landscaping experts and public support, we are taking a multi-pronged approach. We are currently developing or considering solutions such as promoting and adopting water-conscious landscaping wherever possible; encouraging smart irrigation best practices; and developing training and rebate programs with industry leaders.
By changing our habits and the way we think about our lawns, we can help ensure our limited water resources continue to be available to all who live and work in Ottawa County.
Why? It’s all about the roots.
Native plants have deep root systems which help stormwater infiltrate the ground, they also require less water, fertilizer, and care once established. They also often attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to the site.
There are many turf-alternative, low maintenance options that the County is working to promote such as hardscaping, xeriscaping, native landscaping, etc. Many of these options require little watering and little to no mowing or supplemental fertilization.
Cultivate a More Water-Conscious Lawn
Tools, tips, and background information on traditional lawns and how to develop more “Water Wise” turf.
Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices Guide
Lush turf grass lawns are a familiar sight across the Midwest. However, these large patches of shallow-rooted greenscape consume a significant amount of water. By changing our habits and using water-saving tools, we can conserve this limited resource.
Presentation: Reimagining the Traditional Lawn
Learn more about the drawbacks of turf lawns and the various types of turf-alternative landscaping options
More ways to save water outside
Rain Gardens
Absorb rainwater runoff while slowly reintroducing it back into our water system in a beautiful way.
Rain Barrels
Collect rainwater for later use on lawns, gardens, indoor plants and more.
In the Works
Re-Landscaping Rebate Program
Converting even a portion of a grass lawn to a native landscape saves water and provides other benefits. But up-front costs can be a barrier. To encourage water-conscious landscape adoption, the County is seeking to work with local nonprofits, the Conservation District, and others to help seek funding for and to implement rebates for residents and businesses looking to transition their landscapes from turf lawns to native and other water-conscious options. A Countywide rebate program could help to overcome cost barriers for those wishing to adopt more sustainable practices.
Water-Conscious Landscape Contests
The County and its partners are currently assessing the viability of hosting an annual Water Conscious/Native Landscaping competition countywide to further encourage adoption and raise awareness concerning water scarcity issues.
Irrigation Professional Training
Efficient irrigation, installation, and management techniques will help reduce water consumption in areas where turf grass lawns may remain. In partnership with Spring Brook Supply and the Ottawa Area Conservation District, the County is developing a Water Conservation Practices training and certification program for landscape and irrigation professionals in the region.
More information will be added to this page as these programs develop.
Inside Your Home
Cut down on shower time
A quick shower uses 20-30 fewer gallons of water than a bath. Challenge yourself to take showers of just 5 minutes or less to save water.
Use dishwasher instead of washing by hand
Newer dishwashers can clean very thoroughly and typically use less water than washing dishes by hand. Try and rinse off your dishes less and only run it when completely full.
Fix leaks around your house
Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps in your home for leaks and fix them right away, or install water conserving models.
Limit running water when washing by hand
Use less water when hand washing dishes by filling the sink basin with soapy water and the other with rinse water. Let your dirty pots and pans soak and then scrape them clean.
