Water Conservation Tips

Water conservation helps lower your water bill, reduces the demand on the water system, and minimizes the risk of contaminants entering local streams and rivers. Here are some simple steps to conserve water and protect the environment:

1. Water Only When Needed:

   • Check your grass by stepping on it. If it springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water.

   • Space out your watering days (saves 750-1,500 gallons per month).

   • Use a hose during droughts and consider converting to native plants.

2. Avoid Watering on Windy Days:

   • Adjust sprinklers so that water lands only on your lawn or garden (saves 500 gallons per month).

   • Regularly check and adjust your sprinkler system to avoid watering sidewalks or driveways.

3. Install a Rain Shut-Off Device:

   • Use a rain shut-off device on automatic sprinklers to avoid watering during rainfall.

   • Teach your family to turn off automatic systems if they malfunction or before storms.

   • Use a kitchen timer for manual watering with a hose.

4. Choose Efficient Sprinklers:

   • Use sprinklers that produce large drops close to the ground to minimize evaporation.

   • Water early in the morning when temperatures are cooler, and winds are lighter.

   • Water large areas with sprinklers and small patches by hand.

5. Use a Broom for Cleaning:

   • Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down (saves 80 gallons of water).

6. Monitor Rainfall and Irrigation:

   • Use a rain gauge to track water received. Lawns need 1-1.5 inches of water per week.

   • If you don’t have a rain gauge, use an empty can to measure sprinkler output.

7. Water Efficiently:

   • Divide watering cycles into shorter periods to reduce runoff and improve absorption.

   • Use a soaker hose on steep slopes to prevent runoff.

8. Use Sprinklers for Cooling Off:

   • Let kids use the sprinkler in areas of the lawn that need watering the most.

9. Adjust Your Lawn Mower:

   • Set your mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades roots and retains soil moisture better.

10. Aerate Your Lawn:

    • Punch holes about six inches apart to help water reach the roots and reduce surface runoff.

By following these tips, you can conserve water, save money, and contribute to a healthier environment.