Every Drop Counts: Sustainable Water Conservation in Calgary

Water conservation is essential for sustainable living, especially in cities like Calgary that experience water shortages and restrictions in the summer of 2024. Traditional grass lawns need large amounts of water, fertilizers, and maintenance. This proje
Hamsika Chandramouli
Grade 7

Problem

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.

Method

  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

Analysis

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

Conclusion

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.

 

Acknowledgement

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