Water Saving Tips - Spring/Summer

The #1 tip of summer is DON’T OVERWATER.

Lawns really only need a small amount of water to survive. We agree, they need a little bit more to stay green, but watch out for the water running off the grass and down the street or driveway. In the summer, 50% to 70% of the water demand is for outdoor use. If a garden hose is accidentally left on overnight, it may use twice as much water as the average family uses in a month!

Here are a few other tips to help conserve our precious resource:

• Place a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drinking. This cuts down the amount of water going down the drain while waiting for a cold drink.
• When washing your car, use a hose nozzle that shuts off between rinses rather than letting the water run.
• Do not apply water more rapidly than the soil can absorb it.
• Do not water when windy.
• Eliminate weeds. They compete with grass and other plant material for water.
• Use mulches, such as woven weed barrier, bark, sawdust, or compost to help planting beds retain moisture.
• Fix all leaks. Unrepaired leaks are very costly -- to your pocketbook and the aquifer!