Summer watering increases as outdoor watering occurs to keep landscapes healthy and thriving. Here are some approaches to implement to keep water use as efficient as possible.
- Cycle and Soak - Water your lawn in short intervals rather than one long interval. This allows the time for the soil to absorb the water, eliminating overwatering and runoff.
- Water landscaping no more than two or three times a week during the summer.
- Water during the cooler hours - Water after 8 p.m. and before 10 a.m. This avoids water loss to evaporation and for maximum absorption.
- Adjust you sprinklers – Avoid watering the sidewalk or driveway, it will never grow! Keep the water on your landscape.
- Re-circulate! Make pools, spas and ornamental fountains re-circulating and leak-proof.
- Use a broom - Sweep sidewalks and driveways clean rather than using a hose.
- Use automatic shut-off nozzles – Do not let your hoses run between uses.
- Don’t let the water run - Shut off the water when you wash your hands, brush your teeth or shave.
- Fix leaks promptly
- Full loads only - Only run the dishwasher and clothes washer when you have a full load.
- Be efficient - Consider upgrading to energy efficient washing machines and high-efficiency toilets.
- Install low-flow showerheads.
When the weather turns rainy and cold, water saving is still necessary.
- Water with the weather - As the days grow colder and shorter and the winter rains arrive, your landscape will require very little or no water. Most plants are dormant, even if they’re still green. Our seasonal rains provide all the water they need. Remember, over watering causes more problems than under watering. Water only during extended dry spells.
- Get to know your pipes - Water pipes located in crawl spaces, outside walls, outside faucets, unheated rooms, basements, garages and attics are the most vulnerable to freezing. Get to know the location of these pipes so you can take the necessary precautions to prevent freezing.
- Winterize your pipes - Our temperatures do not fall below freezing very often, but when they do, exposed pipes on the exterior of your home can be vulnerable. Protect exposed pipes by wrapping them with insulation.
- Insulate your exposed hot water pipes - This will reduce the amount of water you need to run before it turns warm at the fixture head, especially at the fixtures furthest from your hot water heater. You may also look into the installation of a hot water recirculation pump.
- Know the location of your main shut off valve - If a pipe does freeze and burst you will be able to shut off the water immediately. If you are unable to shut off the water, call your water utility customer service staff at (916) 774-5750 for assistance during normal business hours.