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Easy weekend conservation project: Is there algae growing in your gutter?

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on September 14, 2007 at 10:18 pm

algae-in-gutter-fire-hydrant-small.jpgHere is a picture of a gutter filled with algae which was taken around 3pm on a day when temperatures were hovering around 105 degrees. This street is located in Santa Clarita, but I’m sure this is not an isolated problem. I was easily able to find several other streets with the same problem, including my own.

There could be only two explanations for algae growing in the gutter in an arid climate such as ours: either some are watering their lawns too much and/or at the wrong times, or there is a leak.

algae-in-gutter-close-up-small.jpgThe Pacific Institute’s report, “Waste Not, Want Not: The Potential for Urban Water Conservation in California”, estimated that up to 32.5% of outdoor water use could be achieved by utilizing efficient irrigating practices. Furthermore, the Pacific Institute estimated that up to 12% of water use is just from leaks.

Overwatering makes everything grow faster, which means more work for the homeowner: more mowing, more pruning, more weeding, etc. But most plants will survive on considerably less water than what they are receiving; in fact, most plant problems are linked somehow to over-watering. I’ve heard it’s the number one cause of plant death in the Southland. In most cases, plants will look best and live longer if they are watered properly.

algae-in-drain-pipe-small.jpgPlants need to be trained to root deeply. This is done by deep, infrequent waterings that encourages the roots to grow deep. Shallow, frequent waterings will keep the roots close to the top and will cause the plant to become dependent upon constant irrigation. Established plants with deep roots will withstand drought conditions much better than plants with shallow root systems.

There are many other benefits to conserving water. It saves electricity because a significant portion of energy use in California is devoted to transporting water, treating it before use, and then processing it as wastewaster. Conserving water conserves electricity, and that helps fight global warming. Additionally, if we used less water, there would be more water left for environmental purposes, such as recreation, boating and fisheries.

lake-mead-low-level-small.jpgSouthern California is facing a serious water shortage situation. Plans to manage future water exports in the Delta mean that there will be less water available to us next year. In addition, drought conditions exist not only here in Southern California, but also the areas where our water is drawn from. If next year is another dry year, MWD says there will likely be water rationing. We all need to work together to conserve water, because every drop that is saved this year will be there in the reservoir or groundwater basin for us next year.

Does those pictures up there look like the gutter on your street? If so, here’s what Aqua Blog Maven would like you to do. Click here for a page you can print, and print a copy for all your neighbors. Give one to each neighbor who might be contributing to the constant flow of water into the gutter on your street, Aw, c’mon, it really isn’t that hard to do, and if you don’t feel like talking to your neighbors, you can leave it on their front door. You even have my permission to play doorbell ditch if that is what it takes. Hey, I’ll be doing it myself on my street…. not the doorbell ditch part …. well, maybe only once ….

Here are some good links to help with correctly setting irrigation times:
Water - Use It Wisely has a great online guide with step-by-step instructions. Be WaterWise also has a similar, easy to do procedure.

Are you considering drought tolerant landscaping? Here are some resources:
Visit a conservation garden - click here for a list of the one nearest you here in Southern California.
Click here for a list of nurseries that carry California natives and drought tolerant plants, or click here to visit High Country Gardens, an online nursery which specializes in drought-tolerant and xeriscaping plants.
Here is a database of 1500 native and drought tolerant plants from Be Waterwise; you may want to visit the Garden Spot main page to check for free workshops and advice.

September 14, 2007 · Filed Under Conservation, Drought Tolerant Landscaping

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