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Water Conservation
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"Water" you doing about conservation?
Using 3.8 billion gallons of water in 2016, it’s no secret that the City of Bloomington loves its water! However, water must be distinguished between its sources: groundwater and surface water.
Between the two, surface water is the most familiar to us as we see it often in the form of lakes, streams, and other waterbodies. Such a source needs to be protected from excess nutrients, so here are two ways to make the biggest difference:
- Because they go directly to local watersheds, storm drains need to be protected against debris. At minimum, if you encounter a storm drain congested with debris, clear it away. Or go the extra mile and adopt a storm drain to help prevent Bloomington waterbodies from degradation!
- Did you know that the Nine Mile Creek is considered impaired due to the level of chloride from salted roads in the winter? Think before you use a deicer, and follow the outlined steps in this winter maintenance flyer
Arguably our most important water supply is hidden below the earth’s surface. Out of 3.8 billion gallons consumed annually, groundwater makes up 80 percent of our use from aquifers. Yet, contamination from human activities like oil, gasoline, road salts, and chemicals threaten its natural state.
How you can help
- Consider setting up a smart water controller system (check your local hardware store), and only watering your grass before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid an estimated 50 percent water loss from evaporation.
- During the summertime, Twin City communities consume 3 times more water than in the winter, and irrigation makes up for more than 40 percent of that! Try harvesting rainwater with a rain barrel for gardening purposes, or replacing your water guzzling Kentucky bluegrass with fine fescue grass.