Water Conservation Practices Save Money, Improve Lawn

By Jim Markley
Water Superintendent

     During the hot summer months, it is natural to use more water.  We ask our customers to pay attention to how much they use and to take care to not over water.  Since early July, water usage has increased from approximately 13 million gallons per day to 24 million gallons per day (August 5^th water use report).

     Lawn over-watering is a primary water waster. Over-watering your lawn will not improve the quality of its turf.  In fact, it can make the grass susceptible to disease and actually promote weed growth.  People tend to water too often and too much.  (For residential lawns, daily watering is not required.  Also, lawns only need between 1 and 2 inches of water per week – including rainfall).
     Over-watering of lawns increases the runoff of pesticides and herbicides into the streets and the storm sewers.  This, in turn, lowers the water quality of our lakes and rivers.
     By including landscaping that requires less water to maintain (such as bark, shrubs, and drought resistant plants), you not only lessen your need for water, but also have a more varied and beautiful yard.  Check out the demonstration Xeriscape garden located at 10^th and Foster Avenue for ideas (Xeriscape means landscaping that requires little or no water).   
     Evening or early morning watering is more efficient than watering during the heat of the day or when it is windy – both increase evaporation.  You are paying for water that doesn’t moisten your lawn’s roots and you are not getting the full benefit of the water you are buying.  If your sprinklers are poorly adjusted and you are watering the street, once again you are paying for water without receiving any benefit. 
     Increased water demand creates a need for additional wells.  Customers ultimately pay for the operation and maintenance of new facilities.
     And last but not least, minimizing the amount of water needed for irrigation can save you money.  Most customers’ consumption of water increases dramatically during the summer.  So do their utility bills. 
     You can easily minimize wasteful watering practices during the summer without negatively impacting either your lawn or your bank account.