Aug 9, 2005 Weekly Water Saving Tip

As you are looking over your landscape and reviewing the success and failures that you had during this summer, consider how successful your water conservation has been. Now, two important components of efficient water use in the landscape are the sprinklers and the controller. First off, look at the sprinklers to determine the coverage. Coverage is evaluated by looking at the amount of overthrow, the application rate and the efficiency of the system. If you discover any problems, plan to make changes this fall or early spring. We will have free water checks for your irrigation system until September 30. If you are interested, call 673-3617.

The second component of an irrigation system is the controller. Make sure it is doing for you what you have set it to do. We have just started offering rebates for installation of smart water controllers. Smart water controllers irrigate according to soil moisture content or plant water use. If you would like more information on this you can pick up information at an irrigation supply store.

Temperatures are still warm. The irrigation schedule is still the same. This week, irrigation is still every three to four days. As fall approaches and the temperatures cool, we will again begin a program to prepare our landscape for efficient water use next summer. Even though we are talk of water conservation, what we really are promoting is ideal plant growth and health. And one of the management practices we can attain this through is minimal water use.

It is important to mow your lawns at the higher heights. This is especially true of the cool season grasses. A short cut turf increases water use and encourages weeds. If you are seeing more weeds consider a taller mow height, about 2 ½ to 3 inches is preferred.

For more information on this weekly water saving tip you can call Julie Breckenridge at 673-3617.

Julie Breckenridge
Water Conservation Coordinator
Washington County Water Conservancy District
136 North 100 East
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-3617
wcwcd.state.ut.us