Tips
for Summer Water Savings
-
Check irrigation systems for leaks,
broken, sunken or misdirected sprinkler heads.
-
When it’s hot, deep soak
your landscaping once or twice a week. It’s
better and more frugal than more frequent, shallow
applications.
-
Avoid watering on windy days or
at mid-day, when the hot sun evaporates irrigation
spray.
-
If your system isn’t automatic,
use a kitchen timer as a shut off reminder.
-
Apply a layer of mulch in your
garden, to slow evaporation and retain moisture.
|
Warm
Weather Water Savings
Just as athletes and outdoor
enthusiasts "gear up" for top performance,
now is a good time to tune up your irrigation system
for warm weather efficiency and water savings.
Here are some "tune up" tips
to help you get the greatest benefit from the water
you use. As with your car, a bit of attention now can
help avoid problems and expenses down the line.
-
Keep an eye on your irrigation system.
Water streaming onto the driveway or walkway is
a sure sign something’s amiss.
-
Modify your irrigation schedule,
either automatic or by hand, to fit the changing
weather conditions. Keep irrigation cycles shorter
and less frequent during cloudy or wet periods.
Even during the hottest times, daily watering is
rarely warranted. (For simple how-to’s for adjusting
your system, link to the PDF file Simple
Irrigation Scheduler brochure.)
-
Do a quick check to assure that
your sprinkler heads are spraying properly. Do
you see any leaks or waterspouts? Also check that
sprinklers are directed at your plants and their
spray is unobstructed.
-
Plan to irrigate during the cool
morning hours, rather than mid-day, when hot, dry
conditions cause evaporation.
-
Arrange new plantings so that materials
are grouped according to their water needs. And,
while new plantings need extra water to get established,
irrigation usually can be reduced in time.
-
Consider alternatives for lawns,
which have the highest water-use level of all plantings.
Limit grass to foot traffic and play areas. (Lawns
are thirsty. More than 5 feet of water must be
applied over the course of a year to maintain a
healthy lawn.)
-
Look for native plants and water
tolerant varieties, which can add beauty to your
landscape without guzzling water. (Click here to
find tips in the ongoing Native
Plant series.)
Also, keep alert to other
expanding water use in summer. Filling the pool, new
landscaping, or those extra loads of laundry with everyone
home from school or camp will add up on your bi-monthly
bill. |
