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Outdoor Water Conservation

Outdoor Water Conservation Outdoor tasks like filling a pool or hot tub, washing your automobile, watering your grass and garden all require using large quantities of water, which is why it is extremely important to try and conserve water by utilizing some of these simple and practical tips.
  • Be sure to water your lawn only when it needs it. A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will also promote water retention in the soil.
  • Don't over water your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every 5 to 7 days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. A good rain can eliminate the need for watering for as long as two weeks.
  • Water your lawn during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest, because this practice reduces evaporation.
  • Don't water your street, driveway or sidewalk. Position your sprinklers so that your water lands on the lawn and shrubs ... not the paved areas.
  • Install sprinklers that are the most water-efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water-efficient methods of irrigation.
  • Check your sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they are operating properly. It is nowa law that "anyone who purchases and installs an automatic lawn sprinkler system MUST install a rain sensor device or switch which will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred."
  • If you are having a swimming pool installed be sure you use a water-saving pool filter, which uses less than 250 gallons of water than a traditional filter.
  • If you need to have your swimming pool filled or topped off, call your local fire department, because for a nominal fee they will come and deliver water.
  • Adding organic material to your soil will help increase its absorption and water retention. You can greatly reduce the amount of water used for shrubs, beds and lawns with strategic placement of soaker hoses, rain barrel water systems and simple drip-irrigation systems.
  • Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to slow evaporation of moisture and discourage weed growth.
  • Try not to run the hose while washing your car, except for rinsing and you will be saving as much as 150 gallons of water. A new product to check out is the waterless car washing system.
By making everyone in your home aware of the importance of water conservation and teaching them simple water-saving methods, you can make a big difference in preserving this natural resource.


In addition to saving money on your utility bills, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds. By learning to conserve water you can minimize your risk of having problems with your well and your septic system. Conserving water helps to extend the life of your septic systems by reducing soil saturation and reducing any pollution related to leaks. If your home has public water and septic it is especially important to conserve water to minimize overloading city sewer systems and to ensure there isn't a water shortage during the summer months.
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3/18/2024 • 18710960