How Can Your Association Conserve Water? Here Are Some Tips

Water is a necessity, so conserving it is vital. Especially in communities where there are a lot of users and uses, water wastage may happen.

From landscaping to facilities use to household usage. However, with the right measures in place, the HOA can conserve a large amount of water.

Here are some of the ways your HOA can conserve water:

Reduce Watering

A well-watered lawn is beautiful, but it's also a thirsty one. If you want to enjoy the benefits of green grass without draining your well, consider limiting watering or cutting back on the times you water your lawn.

A lot of water is lost when watering lawns and landscapes. However, landscapers should look out for any drying or thinning of plants, which could signify water deficiency.

Upgrade Garden Soil to Mulch

Upgrading your garden soil to mulch is an easy way to conserve water. In addition to reducing the need for irrigation, proper watering and mulching are great ways to improve plants' health and help them survive in drought conditions.

The best time to add mulch is after you have covered the soil with compost or composted manure. This will help retain moisture and keep weeds from sprouting through the soil.

Avoid using bark chips or sawdust when adding new mulch because they are too light and will blow away in the wind. Instead, use shredded bark or wood chips that have been composted for at least six months before adding them to your garden.

Check the Irrigation Systems for Any Leaks

Irrigation system leaks cause too much water loss if not identified early. So it's important to find them before they become a problem.

You can also have your sprinkler system inspected by someone who knows what they are doing, such as a professional landscaper. The board should ensure that the ideal landscaper is well-versed with the community plants and irrigation systems.

A good landscaping company can spot leaks and make repairs if necessary. This will help them determine whether your current irrigation system needs updating or replacing.

Also, the board can hire water use auditors often to oversee the landscapers' work on conserving water. If the landscapers are local residents, the water auditors can offer training to them. Such measures may seem expensive, but they help conserve water in the long run.

Landscape Re-Imaging

Landscaping gives a vibrant look while adding life to the community. However, it is one of the water-wasting culprits if proper water conservation measures are not taken.

Some measures associations can take include embracing drought-resistant plants, shrubs, and flowers. Also, depending on the season, irrigation can be reduced. For instance, plants can be watered once or twice a week during summer or spring. 

Making Changes to Association-Managed Facilities

Making water conservation changes to HOA-managed facilities can encourage the rest of the community to take the same measures.

Some association-managed facilities may include outdoor swimming pools, clubhouses, restrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

All these facilities are candidates for water wastage; hence, an audit should be performed, and necessary measures should be taken to conserve water.

Some of the retrofit ideas include:

• Installation of low-flowing inlets on the swimming pool
• Placing all water-wasting laundry machines with more water-conserving ones
• Covering the outdoor pool to reduce evaporation. 
• Rearrange irrigation systems so water isn't wasted on bare ground.

Partnering With an HOA Management Company

Involving an HOA management company can help save the day. Your management company can assist in implementing the required strategies to help conserve water in your community, arrange for audits and perform other responsibilities on behalf of your association.

At RealManage, we are committed to offering support to your association to ensure total water conservation. Contact us today to learn more.