Water

Municipal water, which is often used to water plants, requires a lot of energy to produce and transport. Overwatering can cause erosion and increased runoff and pollute waterways with fertilizers and pesticides. One way to reduce energy use and support the local ecosystem and environment is to choose hardy plants that are native to your area and require less maintenance.

Resources:

• Water Efficiency: A Case Study (Climate Toolkit)
• Water and Wastewater: Differences between a Combined and Open Sewer System. (U.S Climate Resilience Toolkit)
• Water and Wastewater: The Climate Toolkit Webinar 4: Climate Change and Water. (Climate Toolkit)

Potable water is water that is safe enough for humans to consume. Potable water often must be treated at a utility treatment center and then pumped back out to the public, which requires energy. To avoid this, consider collecting and managing rainwater that falls on your site to use to water your plants. Choose native and drought resistant plants, which won’t need to be watered as frequently.

Resources:

• Reduce Potable Water Use- San Diego County
• UN World Water Development Report 2020 ‘Water and Climate Change’