 fall 2008   new features on wwwconserveh2oorg whether you are a kid or a kid at heart we are sure that you will learn something new as you tour our new interactive water house which has a ton of great indoor and outdoor water conservation tips you can also visit our revamped water savings calculator to see if your water conservation efforts are adding up the new calculator includes easier navigation and saves your data from visit to visit this will make it easier for you to measure your estimated water savings as you adopt new water saving practices or add new watersense certified conservation appliances or devices why not rain barrels  it s true that it rains a lot in the pacific northwest but unlike other parts of the country that receive rainfall yearround here in the portland metro area we typically receive the least amount of rainfall during the summer months a time of year when our outdoor water usage is at its highest take a moment to consider your landscape s water needs and you will likely find that it will take far more than a one or two 55 gallon rain barrels to keep your garden happy throughout the summer though rain barrels are not the most effective conservation method they will help save some water learn how to save more water at wwwconserveh2oorg  what do you know about h2o  the consortium is excited to present its new  what do you know about h2o   show which will be performed by mad science at 25 area schools during the 200809 school year geared toward 3rd 5th graders the educational interactive and entertaining show uses science to highlight the unique and magical attributes of water through handson activities that encourage kids to do their part to conserve water  dec 4 olca expo landscape contractors and designers visit our booth for waterefficient landscaping resources and info on our upcoming workshops consortium staff will also be presenting on best management practices water efficient landscaping at the expo visit wwwconserveh2oorg for a complete list of free workshops and events topics include a variety of waterwise and natural gardening tips and techniques the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler but there are still plenty of tasks to tackle in your garden check out our website for these and other fall conservation tips  maintain your mower by draining old gas and sharpening the blades clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging and overflow look for leaks in water pipes  drains and valves the leading household water waster is the toilet so be sure to check there too visit wwwconserveh2oorg for more water conservation tips  the consortium provides planning and management support for the portland metro region s municipal water supplies contact us   copyright 2007 all rights reserved  fall 2008  