Happy July, and Happy Smart Irrigation Month!

In the midst of California’s drought, it is important now more than ever that we exercise smart irrigation practices. In order to help you do so, here are a few of the many ways to lessen your water consumption and water waste:

  • If it is within your budget, install a smart irrigation controller, which uses on-site weather and site conditions to automatically adjust watering schedules. Read more about these smart controllers at http://www.cyber-rain.com/downloads/10%20Things%20To%20Consider%20In%20A%20Smart%20Controller%20v1.pdf
  • Convert sprinkler nozzles to rotating nozzles that spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace, making them more targeted and effective.
  • Adjust your lawn mower to cut at a height between 1.5 and 2 inches. A taller grass height provides more shade for roots and it holds soil moisture much better than shorter grass.
  • Allow your lawn to go dormant in the winter. To learn more about how grass reacts to changing seasons, visit http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene7de0.html
  • Plant low water use plants or xeroscape your yard. Don’t know what that means? Here’s an article about it! http://eartheasy.com/grow_xeriscape.htm
  • Turn on your irrigation system and walk around the yard to make sure you do not have any emitters or sprinkler heads that are broken, clogged, or misaligned. Wasted water can quickly add up over time.
  • Work with an irrigation professional to make sure your equipment is working at peak efficiency. They can provide you with useful tips and valuable information to save you money while reducing environmental impact at the same time.
  • If you have questions about irrigation, want more tips, or need more irrigation resources, visit the Irrigation Association at www.irrigation.org.

The smallest adjustments can make big differences, so challenge yourself to be more water-aware and lessen your contribution to the drought. Today is a great day to start!

 

How well do you know your water conservation facts? Take this quiz to find out!

  1. When is the best time to water your lawn?
    1. Afternoon
    2. Early morning and late evening
    3. Any time of day
  1. True or False: Washing dishes in the dishwasher uses less water than washing by hand in the sink.
  1. Which one of the following activities wastes the most water?
    1. Long showers
    2. Using the garbage disposal
    3. Running the tap while washing dishes
    4. A leaky toilet
  1. How much water does a family of four use in one day?
    1. 100 gallons
    2. 200 gallons
    3. 400 gallons
    4. 500 gallons
  1. High-efficiency washing machines save up to how many gallons per load compared to the traditional model?
    1. 2-5 gallons
    2. 7-10 gallons
    3. 11-13 gallons
    4. 14 or more gallons
  1. Easily-fixed water leaks can account for what percentage of the average water bill?
    1. 4%
    2. 6%
    3. 8%
    4. 10%
  1. How much water can be saved by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth twice daily?
    1. Up to 2 gallons
    2. Up to 4 gallons
    3. Up to 10 gallons
    4. Up to 12 gallons
  1. Approximately how much water is used to produce a burger, soft drink and fries?
    1. 40 gallons
    2. 140 gallons
    3. 100 gallons
    4. 1400 gallons

 

Answer Key:

  1. B
  2. True
  3. D
  4. C
  5. D
  6. C
  7. A
  8. D