Every Drop Counts
Proven tips to reduce irrigation demand and save you $$$$$$$$$$$$$
1.) Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Chunks of bark, peat moss or gravel slows down evaporation.
2.) Water during the cool parts of the day. Early morning is better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus.
3.) Don’t water the lawn or garden on windy days as the wind causes excessive evaporation, minimizing the benefit.
4.) Cut down watering on cool and overcast days and don’t water in the rain. Adjust or deactivate automatic sprinklers.
5.) Set lawn mower blades one notch higher. Longer grass means less evaporation, reducing the frequency of irrigating.
6.) Drive your car onto the lawn to wash it. The rinse water will help water the grass while reducing runoff.
7.) When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it most, moving it as required.
8.) Xeriscape – replace your lawn and high-water-using trees and plants with less thirsty and drought resistant plantings.
9.) Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption when you water.
10.) Check outdoor hoses, pipes, faucets, connections and fixtures for leaks. Fixing even small leaks can mean big savings.
11.) Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light and water.
12.) Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden with a hose or manually operated sprinkler.
13.) Avoid the use of water toys that require a constant flow of water. A flow rate of only 3 gpm = 180 gallons per hour.
14.) Aerate your lawn. Punching holes in your lawn about 6 inches apart helps water to reach the roots rather than run off.
15.) Place an empty tuna can on your lawn to catch and measure the water output of your sprinklers. Adjust as necessary.