RAIN

[kani-lehua]

agree with pam, we conserve water in times of drought. flushing the toilet only when necessary and washing only full loads of laundry. not something we like, but the car remains dirty.

regarding coqui frogs: it's been chilly up in these parts. we will hear maybe one coqui chirping if even that.



"a great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices."

w. james

[JerryCarr]

Here are some of our household water conservation rules:

1. When showering, quickly wet self down and get loofah or washcloth thoroughly wet and sudsy. Shut off water. Scrub until clean. Turn water back on and rinse quickly. Shut off water.

2. Use a dishpan and a separate pan to catch rinse water. When the water is no longer useable, dump it in garden irrigation barrel for secondary use.

3. If you must water potted plants, do it by immersing them in a bucket or tub of water to thoroughly soak. Drain them into another tub to avoid most of the water running out onto the ground. We use an old grill grate over the top of a bucket to set the plants on to drain. Saves a lot of time and water.

4. Send your clothes washer drain water into a barrel or tub for irrigation use. Most detergents are safe for this and some even have beneficial effects.

5. If you must irrigate plants in the ground, sprinkle slowly to gradually moisten the ground, especially when starting. Water quickly dumped on dry, hard ground has a tendency to roll off and do little good.

6. Flush toilets for business #2, but not #1. Yes, this is somewhat gross, but it saves a LOT of water.

7. Pray, meditate, dance, or beg for rain.

These are just a few ideas. I'm sure other Punawebbers have more.

Cheers,
Jerry

[Samdooby]

Save water...Shower with a friend!!![]

[Del Pranke]

Shower? We have to do that?

[csgray]

Jerry's list is great but I would add a warning to #3: if any of your plants have a root fungus or disease this method will spread it through all of your plants. I did that one time and a recently purchased orchid spread a nasty pathogen through my entire collection, 75% of my orchids turned to slime in a matter of days. Just be careful and make sure you know the health of your plants, immerse any questionable ones at the end.

Carol

[Menehune]

The drought is hurting everyone.

I have seen people showering/bathing and washing their vehicle at the county water spigots on HWY 130 near Pahoa.

Other people we know with children - even with conservation - are running out of water and do not have the $250 or MORE for a tanker.

NOW I know what PUNA sounded like before the little CROAKERS - SIGH!!!!!!!!

"Silence is golden, but my eyes still see
Silence is golden, golden
But my eyes still see"
Those little critters in my tree!

[JerryCarr]

Carol's caution about root or soil based pathogens is wise. If I even suspect their presence, I either use separate tub and water with treatment or get rid of the plant. Orchids are particularly sensitive, but all of mine are in trees and pretty much on their own for watering.

[Andy]

I would also add to the list about the landscape...a thick layer of mulch really does help to conserve water...it holds the moisture in and keeps plants roots cool.

[LEROY]

I would suggest mulch like andy says. My yard has lots of dirt and mulch,i also found a gel that you put around plants. It absorbs water and does not let the plant dry up,i cant remember the name of this product when i find out i will let you know.[]

[Andy]

I know the product you are talking about...it's a polymer of some sort. Never thought I would need it here! El Nino sucks