Winter’s Coming: Be prepared

Check out these water wise Tips to Make sure your home and lawn are ready for winter
By: Rose Adler-Rephan

Be Prepared: With dropping temperatures it seems winter is right around the corner.  Now is the time to start preparing for a water-wise winter.

Here are 3 simple tips to get your home and lawn ready for winter:

• Collecting leaves and using them for compost or mulch is a great way to utilize leaves while preventing them from becoming harmful runoff which can clog drains causing flooding, and devastate aquatic ecosystems and even lead to dead zones.
• Disconnect, drain, and store your hoses and sprinklers, then turn off the water and drain outdoor faucets, pipes, and irrigation systems. This helps prevent costly and wasteful leaks or damage caused by freezing water.
• Insulating exposed or vulnerable pipes is another great way to prevent freeze related damages. If extreme cold is expected you can further protect your pipes by opening cupboards to expose the pipes to warm air, and leaving a small drip on in your faucets. Place a bucket or bowl under your faucet to collect the dripping water so it does not go to waste.

Want to learn more? Here are some great resources for you:

• Winter is coming; are you ready?
• 5 DIY fall landscape tips that will save you money: Thwart costly repairs and upgrades next year with this prewinter checklist
• Cold Weather Tips
• Stream-Friendly Solutions
• Conservation Tips and Prepare home for winter

Post by: Rose Adler-Rephan