Every Drop Counts: Sustainable Water Conservation in Calgary

Since the summer of 2024 water restrictions served as a reminder to Calgarians about the importance of water conservation and minimal usage, my problem is calculating how much costs Calgarians will save if we use clover lawns. Clover lawns use less water and are more cost efficient.

1. Created two test plots:

1. Traditional grass

2. Clover lawn

2. Measure water usage throughout the process:

3. Collected data for 10 days:

1. Water usage

2. Growth rates

3. Soil moisture

Day | Water for Grass (mL) | Water for Clover (mL) | Water Saved (mL)

Day 1 | 100 | 100 | 0

Day 2 | 100 | 100 | 0

Day 3 | 50 | 25 | 25

Day 4 | 75 | 25 | 50

Day 5 | (Didn’t water) | (Didn’t water) | 0

Day 6 | 75 | 25 | 50

Day 7 | (Didn’t water) | (Didn’t water) | 0

Day 8 | 50 | 25 | 25

Day 9 | 50 | 25 | 25

Day 10 | 50 | (Didn’t water) | 50

Total | 550mL | 325 mL | 225 mL

In conclusion, my hypothesis was correct

• In conclusion, clover lawns offer numerous advantages over traditional lawns. They save significant water, require less maintenance, and are drought-resistant. Clover lawns not only create an aesthetic outdoor look but also contribute positively to environmental health.

• Overall, the summer of 2024 in the city of Calgary reminded us that an increase in population leads to an increase in the water usage, and water infrastructure needs to be maintained more efficiently. When citizens of our city switch to clover lawns, it will help reduce the strain on our city's water infrastructure, leading to greater stability and long-term savings on water treatment facilities.

https://www.marthastewart.com/8322420/clover-lawns

https://www.soils4teachers.org/nitrogen-cycle

https://amerlandscape.com/considering-a-clover-lawn-weigh-the-pros-and-cons/

https://scotts.com/en-us/seasonal-tips/the-environmental-benefits-of-your-lawn.html#:~:text=Unlike%20hard%20surfaces%20such%20as,noise%20pollution%2C%20and%20reduce%20temperatures

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+does+grass+lwns+provide+no+shelter+for+pollinaters&rlz=1CAILOF_enCA1136CA1136&oq=how+does+grass+lwns+provide+no+shelter+for+pollinaters&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAHSAQkxMzk2OGowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-water-restrictions-supply-construction-august-2024-1.7303572

https://www.calgary.ca/water/customer-service/residential-water-rates-and-billing.html

https://ucalgary.ca/sustainability/mobilizing-alberta/climate-action-blogs/calgary-water-restrictions

I acknowledge my teachers at my school Calgary Girls Charter School and my parents for helping my throughout my project.