Water and Pollution Control Department

Water usage peaks during the summer months when outdoor water usage is the highest. This puts the most strain on all resources pertaining to water. The following tips could help to curb this demand.

• Do not over-water. Healthy lawns need no more than one inch of water a week.
• Installing a rain sensor means watering only when necessary.
• Water only in the early morning and during the evening when evaporation is minimal.
• Make sure the correct areas are being watered, not the sidewalk or the driveway.
• Encourage deeper grass roots by watering slower and less frequently.
• Dormant lawns can survive for over four weeks without water.
• Landscaping with native plants, xeri-scaping, requires less maintenance and less water.
• Drip irrigation is the most effective at root penetration for individual plants. A soaker hose is an inexpensive solution.
• Put mulch down to minimize evaporation and increase water retention. It also helps eliminate weeds.