Outdoor Water Use
Businesses that have grounds to maintain, can look for additional water savings opportunities. If you have an irrigation system, check how it operates. If it uses a timer and waters at a regular time, consider replacing it with a soil moisture sensor. These sensors will only turn on the system when the soil moisture is low enough to warrant it. Check the EPA’s Watersense website for more information.
Another water wise action to take outdoors would be the installation and use of rain barrels. Rain barrels can be used to capture roof runoff and store it for your outdoor water needs. The stored water can be used as needed for watering flower baskets and other outdoor plantings.
Assess your water needs and then get creative. The City of Waukesha set up two large rain catchments and placed them up high enough to drive a golf cart underneath. The golf cart was set up with a tank used for watering planters in the downtown business district.
