Water Conservation

With arrival of summer weather, everyone should practice voluntary water conservation. 
Use water wisely.  Click here for more information.

Water Conservation Starts on Our Lawns:

Our grass and shrubbery are mostly dormant this time of year. Have you adjusted your lawn irrigation system accordingly? In Bentwater, 75% to 80% of our water usage feeds our irrigation systems. Too often, we are over watering, sending large amounts of wasted run-off going down the street and into the storm drains. Your monthly bill from MUD 18 provides information on your usage. Do you know where you are on the “water chart”? Within the community, are you a light or a heavy water user? Have you set goals to reduce your water usage?

Some suggestions that can save our water supply and save you money:

• When purchasing plants, choose mainly native varieties that require less watering during the summer months. When replacing plants lost in winter freezes, choose drought resistant plants. Click here for table of recommended plants.
• If your irrigation system has a water sensor, check to be sure it is clean and still functioning. If not, take steps to replace it or repair it. If you do not have a sensor, consider adding one to your system. This may be the most important step you can take to avoid watering when Mother Nature has given us rain. And it will save you money on your water bill.
• Water deeply versus frequently. Healthy and properly irrigated lawns require no more than one inch of water per week during the summer months. If the temperature is not in the 100’s try watering every 4th day. How much water are you putting on your lawn each week?
• Adjust your system timer to 2 short cycles instead of one long one. This allows our clay-based soil to absorb the water rather than the excess just running off.
• Adjust your sprinkler heads for maximum coverage for more efficient watering.
• Check your irrigation system timers. Do you reduce the running time when summer is over?
• If you can have your shrubs and lawn in different zones, shrubs can be watered less often than your lawn, saving water and money.
• It’s best to water in the early morning hours (3 to 5am) for maximum effectiveness. If you choose to install or upgrade to a new irrigation system, consider low output sprinkler heads, bubblers, or drip irrigation systems.
• Mulch in flower beds and landscape areas will help hold moisture and cut down on water needed to keep plants healthy

For more information, go to www.wateriq.org

We encourage everyone to be mindful of reducing your water usage as we meet the challenge of long term supply.