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LaHouse is a display of high-performance building practices to create more sustainable, resilient and healthy homes in the gulf region. The research-based facility is located on LSU's Baton Rouge campus and displays home-building techniques and solutions for Louisiana's unique climate. LaHouse is open weekdays from 10 am to 4:30 p.m. for self-guided tours or can be toured completely virtually.
Experience the Lahouse via virtual tour
A terrific way to conserve water is by collecting and using rainwater. Some cisterns provide safe water for several uses, such as watering plants or cleaning.
This cistern collects rainwater to be used throughout the landscape. A dark and opaque tank is necessary for a cistern because it prevents sunlight from entering the tank, which can cause algae growth and make the water unusable.
A first flush device prevents the pollution of the rainwater water tank by reducing the introduction of sediment and other materials. Gutter guards prevent debris from getting lodged in your gutters which can clog them and lead to pooling water where mosquitos commonly breed and lay eggs.
In the event of freezing temperatures, gutter guards prevent water from freezing in the gutters.
For most home garden and landscape situations, the best method of garden irrigation is drip irrigation. Drip irrigation is very water efficient because it applies the water slowly at the plant root zone, which reduces waste via runoff and evaporation.
The cistern collects water to be recycled in the landscaping
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture
