I bring this up because, while writing our recent infographic about saving water, I thought a lot about hydrology. Specifically, thinking about how many people rail against trying to save water because the water used is recycled into the environment. This argument completely ignores, though, that how water is recycled into the environment makes a huge difference to people and nature alike. One of the main ways in which humans affect the water cycle is in runoff. When we cover our surroundings with rain-resistant surfaces like roads, sidewalks, and roofs, it prevents rain from absorbing at a natural rate into the ground and refreshing the aquifers around us. It means that every time it rains, a huge flood of water comes off of all of those surfaces and into the water removal systems, then into our waterways, speeding erosion well beyond what is natural in the area and destroying the flora and fauna that depend on reliable stream flows. This feast-or-famine water flow in our environment also may mean that keeping a garden requires more irrigation than it otherwise might.

There is, however, a fantastic way to limit a home or other building’s runoff effects while saving irrigation water (and therefore money on the water bill). Simply capture the water that runs out of your gutter system in a reservoir, then use it in drier times to water your garden or top off your pond (as a bonus, rainwater is often nutrient-rich, which your plants will love). This can be as simple as putting a big barrel under your downspout and dipping out of it with a bucket, but there are inexpensive solutions that can really improve the experience. A filter on the downspout can prevent organic materials like leaves from settling in your reservoir and decomposing, which any pond owner knows can do a ton to improve the quality of the water. A reservoir with a tap at the bottom makes it much easier to fill your watering bucket or drain it into a pond, especially with a lidded reservoir (a must to prevent evaporation and more leaves). A small pump can make an even bigger difference.

It is definitely worth any homeowner’s while to check out our rain harvesting section. We have everything you need to turn your roof into a rain-collection system, from the smaller, easy-to-install 60- or 75-gallon barrels to rain harvesting kits that will let you build a self-filtering and self-pumping reservoir that can hold thousands of gallons of rainwater, great for owners of large homes with large ponds to keep full or even commercial buildings looking to make their real estate greener, save on utilities, and possibly even earn tax credits available in many areas.

We created this infographic to help better understand what our daily impact really is.  Some of the information might surprise you…

Want to help save water?  Share this infographic!  Click one of the buttons on the left and help spread the word.  If you have a blog, please post it on your site.  Here’s some HTML code that might help.  Thanks!!!

“Neglect your watery haven and it could quickly become a stagnant hell” -  words from Andi Clevely over at mydeco.com.  She has some tips for keeping your pond in balance and looking great.  I especially like these tips for feeding plants:

Established deep–water and marginal plants may need feeding when growth resumes in spring because nutrients easily leach from the soil or compost into the pond. Feed them cautiously to avoid enriching the water further and stimulating algae growth.

Use a slow–release fertilizer applied direct to individual plants, and where possible choose one that is seaweed–based. Do not over–apply, and never feed floaters and submerged plants.

Image Credit: Steven Wooster

If you’re looking for an awesome water lily or lotus plant, head on over to our pond plants section.  Most of the pictures you see on this blog are plants from the same nursery, including this awesome pink lotus wallpaper.

To put it in Daffy Duck lingo, “ ith a thuthainable thuthenance”

There is a new trend toward farm pond fisheries, but there is nothing new about aquafarming, aquaculture, or aquaponics. We may have come up with new terms and technology, but the ideas and basic methods pre-date recorded history.

*"fish farm on the floating island by aka_lusi, on Flickr"

After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”, they say. It must be our primal instinct to create efficient food supplies. The exhausting and dangerous chore of hunting wild animals must have sparked creative alternatives in the early days.

The challenge of feeding the inhabitants of ancient cities was probably not so different from those of our modern day cities. There are, simply, more cities, now.

Excavations that began in 1968, at the Roman city of Cosa, Italy, revealed an ancient fishery, estimated to have been from 273 BC.(1)

Those Romans knew how to put water to work for them, with the fish tanks, baths, and fountains of their famous aqueduct systems.

The Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) was one of the first fish species cultured. Illustrations from Egyptian tombs suggest that Nile tilapia were cultured more than 3,000 years ago. Tilapia has been called Saint Peter’s fish in reference to biblical passages about the fish fed to the multitudes. The Nile tilapia is still the most widely cultured species  of tilapia in Africa. (2)

The movement toward more sustainable living has ramped up tremendously, with aquaculture playing a huge role. There is a long list of species that are successfully pond raised. Here are a couple of examples for an idea of recent methods and productivity:

Consumers no longer have to try their luck at fishing in order to enjoy rainbow trout.  Because of new research, scientists have developed environmental raceways and improved feeding conditions to encourage the production of fast growing, healthy trout. Improved production practices, selective breeding and nutritionally complete feeds now make it possible to produce market size (10- to 14-ounce) trout in as little as 10 months. Today, with modern rearing and shipping techniques about 95 percent of rainbow trout consumed in the United States is farm raised and available nationwide any time of the year at very reasonable price.(3)

The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) industry in the United States has gone through tremendous growth during its 35-year history. Total water surface acreage for catfish production has increased from about 56,000 acres in 1980 to more than 198,000 acres in 2000.(4)

Aquaponics is sort of like aquaculture, with a side salad. It is a wonderfully cyclical, efficient system, with plants growing from the animal waste and vice versa. It’s a symbiotic relationship everyone should envy.

No farming method can recreate “free range” environments for fish, but maybe aquaponics it is a little better; like an apartment with potted plants.

*http://www.flickr.com/photos/73069365@N00/

“fish farm on the floating island by aka_lusi, on Flickr”

(1)McCann, Anna Marguerite (1979). “The Harbor and Fishery Remains at Cosa, Italy, by Anna Marguerite McCann”. Journal of Field Archaeology 6 (4): 291–311

(2)Thomas Popma, Auburn University and Michael Masser, Texas A&M Universityand published by the Southern Regional Agricultural Center and the Texas Aquaculture Extension Service

(3)Katheleen F. Ladewig and Michelle Morat. Professor and Extension Foods and Nutrition Specialist and graduate student in Nutrition, The Texas A&M University System

(4)Juan L. Silvaand Stuart Dean. Department of Food Science and Technology, Mississippi State University Food and Fiber Center, Mississippi State University

While it is best to avoid building a Koi or other ornamental pond in areas where runoff occurs, it sometimes happens. Occasionally, the path of storm water changes, and a pond may end up receiving runoff from surrounding areas, when previously it did not.

A rain garden serves as a natural filtration basin for the excess water. It catches and filters contaminates that inevitably come with such runoff and stops or reduces the amount landing in your pond. Koi thrive in clean, well-aerated water, so good filtration is important. Rain gardens can reduce the workload of filters within the pond.

Storm water runoff is an especially common issue in urban environments, because of the many roofs, sidewalks, roads and driveways; impervious surfaces where contaminates accumulate, and then rainfall carries the contaminates into surrounding areas.

Construction of a rain garden is relatively easy. One can be made by simply digging out a shallow depression and planting it with deep-rooted native plants that can withstand both wet and dry conditions. Ferns and grasses are great and many bog and flowering plants do well. Of course, choices vary, depending on your climate.

The water captured is held long enough to seep into the ground. The soil itself and the plants that take in the water, provide natures own filtration system. The best manufactured filters are good imitations of nature.

Not only is it practical, but also provides a lovely natural area that attracts wildlife as it assists with pollution control, in a natural, sustainable way. You could get jiggy with it and add a statue or urn as a focal point.

Rain gardens are promoted by environmental groups because they

• reduce contaminates washing into sewers and water supplies
• conserve water by utilizing rain for growing the plants within
• provide animal habitat

For more information on Rain Gardens, visit these sites:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/44330.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_garden

Water gardens can be large consumers of water, but they don’t have to be. There is really no need to waste water while enjoying the benefits of a water garden. Large pond or small, using water efficiently will keep fish, plants, fountains, and waterfalls happy and functional.

What’s more, maintaining a water-efficient garden is good regardless of where you live. Water gardens that operate best also require the least amount of added water. Here are some tips that can help you cut your water usage – and, need I add, your water bills – without compromising the quality of your water garden.

Sun and Shade

Most people who install a water garden are warned to keep it far from trees. That’s good advice, up to a point. Falling leaves, needles and cones can contaminate the water and force you to skim the surface regularly. Also, some aquatic plants require a lot of direct sunlight to thrive, and some fish struggle with the cooler water temperatures that a shaded spot will produce.

On the other hand, many water gardens do just fine in shaded locations. Some plants and some fish won’t mind, nor will you if plants and fish are not part of your plans. Further, a shaded water garden will lose less water to evaporation. Just be sure not to excavate too closely to a tree trunk, as roots may slow you down considerably and jeopardize the health of the tree. Try to keep your hole outside of the tree’s “drip line.”

Leaking Liners and Pipes

A liner that leaks can substantially boost the amount of water you need to add regularly to your water garden. The best way to avoid leaks in liners is to use a good quality EPDM liner and take care to avoid damaging it during installation. Flexible liners should be set on a suitable underlayment to provide protection against holes and tears. If you need to join two pieces of flexible liner together, be sure to follow the instructions provided by your manufacturer.

If your water level starts to decline regularly, plan to drain the pool as soon as possible and find the leak. Patch the liner as directed by the manufacturer.

The pipes that carry water to and through your water garden can also develop leaks that can waste large amounts of water. Even a small drip should alert you that now is the time to make a repair.

Watch the Wind

Wind can be a nuisance with a water garden. It can increase evaporation, damage plants, and disrupt water flowing from a fountain. If wind is a problem with an existing water garden, or if you cannot avoid a windy location for your new garden, try to reduce the wind’s impact. Plant a hedgerow or build a fence, for example, to serve as a windbreak.

Don’t Fret the Fountain

Water fountains can serve as the center of attention in a water garden. In areas where water is sometimes a scarce resource, however, you might think of a fountain as an unnecessary waste of water. That really isn’t the case, however. A properly installed fountain merely draws water from the pool and sends it right back to the pool. Only a small amount is lost to evaporation. Just try to avoid installing a fountain in a windy location.

Filters and Water Quality

One of the best ways to reduce water usage in a water garden is to keep the water clean and healthy, thus reducing the need for frequent water changes. And one of the best ways to keep the water clean and healthy is with a good filter and regular filter maintenance.

You can also maintain good water quality by eliminating excess food in a fish pond. Whatever food isn’t eaten within five minutes should be scooped out. And next time, add less food.

Size Matters

Large water gardens require a lot of water to fill and refill. If water usage is a concern, think about creating one or more small water features. If, for example, what most appeals to you is the sound of moving water, you might be content with a container and water fountain, which requires very little water but can create a continuous source of soothing water sounds. You can also install a waterfall without a pond.

Let it Rain

One way people in water-deprived areas conserve water is by collecting rainwater, which can be funneled to a garden or the lawn. Rainwater can also be used to top off a water garden, but care should be taken. Adding too much rainwater could sharply reduce the pH level of the water and threaten the health of plants and fish. As a source of occasional make-up water, though, rainwater is fine (and free!).

Photos courtesy of flickr