As temperatures climb, we tend to use more water...for drinking, for watering our lawns, etc.  It can be more difficult to restrict your water use in your Northern Virginia/South Carolna home at this time than during colder winter months.  But, it doesn't have to be.  Here are ten ways to conserve water this summer:

1. Replace Old Appliances - Older refrigerators, air conditioning units and ice makers waste water in their regular use that you may not even be aware of.  Replace them with more energy-efficient Energy Star appliances.  You could be eligible for a rebate on your new appliance purchase as well.
2. Lawn Sprinklers - Check that your sprinklers are actually watering your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home's lawn and not the sidewalks, street or even your house.  Water early in the morning or late at night so your grass holds the moisture longer.  Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.
3. Swimming Pool/Spa Covers - Covering your pool or spa helps reduce the evaporation rate. 
4. In the Garden - A layer of mulch around your plants absorbs and retains water much better than plain dirt.
5. Use a Little Elbow Grease - Next time you're cleaning off your driveway or sidewalks, use a broom instead of a hose.  You can waste hundreds of gallons of water each year hosing off your driveway.
6. Mowing Your Lawn - Set your lawnmower blade at a higher setting.  Taller grass will retain moisture longer than shorter grass.  It also will keep your lawn healthier.  For bermuda grass, keep it around 1/2" to 1" tall.  For centipede grass, keep it between 1" to 2".  For Kentucky bluegrass, keep it around 1 3/4" to 2 1/2" in height.  Check with your local nursery to see what the optimum height is for your grass.
7. Drip Irrigation - Consider replacing your sprinkler system for your shrubbery with a drip irrigation system.  It gets water directly to the roots instead of spraying the entire plant.
8. Plant Drought-Resistant or Low Water Use Shrubbery - Use plants that are found naturally in Northern Virginia and South Carolina.  They thrive in your environment and don't need more water like flora that is common in other areas.  Add drought-resistant plants to your landscaping.  Your local nursery can help you determine which plants are best.
9. Tankless Water Heaters - A traditional hot water tank holds around 40-50 gallons of water.  Energy is wasted by keeping the water at a specific temperature.  Also, water is wasted when you run it waiting for the water to heat up.  A tankless water heater heats the water as it is used.  This saves money on your electric/gas bill as well as reduces water waste.
10. Washing Your Car - Install a nozzle with a shut-off valve at the end of your hose so you can control the flow of water as well as turn the water off from the end of the hose when not hosing down your car.  This can save hundreds of gallons of water every year.

Following these ten tips to conserve water this summer will help you reduce water waste as well as the amount of money you spend on wasted water.  That's good sense for everyone. 

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina, Maryland and Washington DC real estate specialist