At the Neighborhood Scale

  1. Think. Where are you using more water than might be needed? Appliances? Landscaping? Personal use?
  2. Plan. Identify ways you can reduce the water used in your household. Check for leaks (see EPA WaterSense for instructions).
  3. Act. Incorporate water efficient appliances into your home by looking for the WaterSense label. Update to native, low-maintenance landscaping and shift your behavior to be more conscientious of the amount of water used for daily tasks.
  4. Maintain. Stay up to date on maintenance with water saving appliances and landscaping. 
  5. ​Go Beyond. 
  • Incorporate rain barrels throughout the neighborhood.
  • Create a neighborhood pledge to collectively use less water.
  • Strengthen neighborhood groups to support and advocate for neighborhood-wide needs. 

Resources

Save money while saving water: 
TMACOG “Give Water A Hand” Tip Card #1

Install a rain garden:
Rain Garden Initiative

Find vacant lots most suitable for conversion to rain gardens, natural plantings, or wetlands:
TMACOG, Lucas County Vacant Land Reuse ​

Plant native plants:  
See Landscape Naturally toolkit resource topic
 
Install efficient showerheads and faucet aerators:
Columbia Gas

Seek out WaterSense products:
EPA WaterSense
 
Locate and repair household leaks: 
ExtoxNet
EPA WaterSense

    Community Projects
    Share what you've done!
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Toolkit Forum
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