Ep 4. Special Drought Show

In the Ask This Old House season 13 episode 4, titled Special Drought Show, the team tackles the issue of drought and offers solutions for homeowners to conserve water.

The episode begins with a visit to a homeowner in California who is struggling with drought conditions. Host Kevin O'Connor meets with the homeowner and landscape contractor, Bret Hanson, to discuss ways to reduce water usage in the yard. They explore different options for replacing the existing lawn with drought-tolerant plants and installing a drip irrigation system.

Next, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey visits a homeowner in Massachusetts who wants to conserve water indoors. Richard demonstrates how to install a low-flow showerhead and faucet aerator, which can save thousands of gallons of water per year. He also shows how to replace an old toilet with a new, water-efficient model.

Meanwhile, Tom Silva offers tips for building a rain barrel to collect and reuse rainwater. He shows how to construct the barrel using simple materials and demonstrates how to connect it to a downspout. By using collected rainwater for watering plants and other outdoor needs, homeowners can significantly reduce their water usage.

Finally, the team visits a homeowner in Colorado who has already taken steps to conserve water by using xeriscaping, a method of landscaping that involves using drought-tolerant plants and minimizing the need for irrigation. Kevin and horticulturist Amanda Boggs provide further advice for maintaining a xeriscaped yard.

Throughout the episode, the team emphasizes the importance of conserving water and offers practical solutions that homeowners can easily implement. By reducing water usage both indoors and outdoors, homeowners can help to mitigate the effects of drought and preserve this valuable resource for future generations.