Why do we need to conserve water?

Water conservation is a good practice whether or not there is a drought. Wise water use makes sense for many reasons. Conserving water can save you money on your utility bill. In the summer, conserving stretches our limited water resources to meet the needs of both people and fish. Conserving water now can also lower the costs of developing new sources of water. Taking actions to use our water resources wisely will ensure that we all have enough fresh drinking water for today and future generations.

How can I save water inside my home?

The following tips can help you save water in the home.

• Check faucets, pipes and toilets for leaks.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save up to 3 gallons each time.
• Take shorter showers.
• Install a water-saving showerhead.
• Use your dishwasher for full loads only

Saving water outside your home

The following tips can help you save water outside the home-

• Sweep off sidewalks, driveways, etc. instead of washing them.
• Adjust sprinklers to water only the lawn and not the sidewalk or street.
• Avoid watering when it is extremely windy or raining.
• Water slowly, deeply and less often. This encourages plants to develop deeper root systems.
• Always water during the cool time of the day (early morning or late evening) to minimize evaporation loses and to reduce demand on the public water system.
• Use native or low water demand plants for landscaping

Lawn Care-

Plant type and soil conditions play a large role in determining when and how much to water. Turf areas require more water than trees, shrubs and ground cover. Know your soil type. Ask your local nursery or county extension office to recommend low water using plants and ways to increase your soil's water holding capacity. The following tips can help to reduce water use:

• Do not apply water more rapidly than the soil can absorb it.
• Turn off your sprinkler system at the first sign of saturation or runoff to allow the first watering to soak in. Water again in an hour or two if needed.
• Watering should be done in the evening or during early morning hours when evaporation is least likely to occur. Unlike sprinklers, drip irrigation may be used during the day.
• Remove thatch (dead grass) build-up in turf areas. Thatch restricts penetration of water, air, and nutrients.
• Aerate compacted soil to increase water penetration. Aerating should be done only during spring months or after fall rains resume.
• Proper fertilizer application is very important. Watering will not help much if the turf is starved of nutrients. Consult a nursery or landscape professional for a well-balanced fertilization program.