Some of you, even in a drought situation, may not be ready to get rid of your thirsty lawn. Taking shorter showers can only go so far in your water conservation plan. Rain harvesting can ease your conscience.

According to the Long Beach Water Department, 50 percent of all water used in homes is for landscape irrigation. That’s a lot of water, especially in a drought situation. Using a rain barrel for rain harvesting might help cut down a hefty water bill and aid in water conservation efforts.

There are a variety of household rain barrels available. Some look like traditional barrels, and some look like beautiful planters. There’s even one that looks like a boulder. They are designed with a flat back to sit flush against your home and collect the falling rain directly from your rain gutters. Through a diverter with a clean out system, it is easy and convenient to do some rain harvesting.

If you are a hearty do-it-yourselfer, you can visit a blog that outlines how to build your own rain barrel system.

You should keep in mind things like keeping mosquitoes away and some other details, such as accessories to aid the rain harvesting process. Other water conservation tips are to make sure your sprinklers are not directed toward any runoff areas like a sidewalk or patio. Change the heads of the sprinklers to make sure you are not overwatering any particular area. If you live in a drought area where water rationing is in effect, be sure to follow the recommended water conservation rules.