- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Public Works
- Water
- Water Conservation
- Outdoor Water Conservation
Outdoor Water Conservation
We have all witnessed sprinklers watering the driveway and sidewalk as well as the lawn, automatic sprinklers going on a rainy day, or someone washing their car with a hose that doesn't shut off. These are prime examples of common summer activities that produce a lot of water waste. 32% of your total yearly water bill goes to watering during the summer months. Following the below tips can help cut those water bills down.
Water your lawn only when it needs it.
A good way to see if your lawn needs water is to step on the grass. Only water if it stays flat when you move.
Deep soak your lawn.
Watering your lawn long enough for the water to get to the roots is better than short, light sprinkling that can evaporate and cause shallow roots.
Water during the cool part of the day.
Watering in the early morning not only helps avoid evaporation but also helps prevent fungus growth.
Don't water the pavement.
Set your sprinklers to only hit the lawn, not the paved areas, and use a broom instead of a hose for cleaning.
Plant drought-resistant trees and plants.
Do some research to find trees and plants that don't need as much water.
Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants.
Mulch not only helps retain moisture but also helps prevent weeds.
Don't run the hose while washing your car.
Use a bucket of soapy water and add a spray nozzle to the hose instead of just letting the water run. Better yet, use a commercial car wash that recycles the water.
Set mower blades one notch higher.
The longer the grass, the less evaporation.
Learn how to amend your soil.
Improving your soil conditions will not only conserve water but will help your plants thrive. Follow this link to find out more about soil amendments.