Summer Water Conservation
Water resources are vital for our community. As we head towards the middle of summer during historic drought conditions, the City of Lakeport wants to urge our residents and businesses to conserve water as much as possible. Summer's rising temperatures coincide with rising outdoor water use, primarily due to an increase in lawn and landscape watering.
We are targeting a 15% voluntary reduction in demand during the summer irrigation months and are asking customers to take steps to reduce water usage. By consuming less water, you help to preserve our resources. More efficient water use begins with individuals and the average American family uses around 300 gallons of water per day at home. A 15% reduction is equivalent to about 45 gallons/daily per household.
The City of Lakeport Water Division continuously monitors the water demand and levels in our municipal storage tanks to ensure we provide high quality water and fire protection for our community.
Here are some tips for saving water outdoors:
Simple Tips for Saving Water Outdoors
Homes with automatic sprinkler systems can use about 50 percent less water outdoors than those without them. Check your summertime water bill—how does your warmer weather water use compare to winter months? Here are some tips for keeping water use under control:
- Timing is everything: Know how much water your landscape actually needs before you set your sprinkler. Generally, it's best to water lawns and landscapes in the early morning and evening, after the sun goes down, because significant amounts of water can be lost due to evaporation during the heat of the day. You can save about 25 gallons each time you water by watering before 8 a.m. Watering early reduces evaporation and puts that water to work helping your plants grow.
- Look for the label: If your system uses a clock-based controller, consider upgrading to a WaterSense labeled controller that uses local weather data or monitors the moisture level of soil to determine when and how much to water, reducing waste and improving plant health. Replacing a clock-based controller with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controllercan save an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually. Combining a smart irrigation controller and spray sprinkler bodies that have earned the WaterSense label can save water, time, and money on water and sewer bills.
- Go with a pro: Contractors certified through a WaterSense labeled program can audit, install, or maintain home irrigation systems to ensure water isn't wasted. Make sure you ask for credentials.
- Tune up your system: Inspect irrigation systems and check for leaks and broken or clogged sprinkler heads. Fix sprinkler heads that are broken or spraying on the sidewalk, street, or driveway.
- Play zone defense: When planting, assign areas of your landscape different hydrozones depending on sun/shade exposure, soil and plant types, and type of sprinklers, then adjust your irrigation system or watering schedule based on those zones' specific needs. This helps you avoid overwatering some areas or underwatering others.
Even if your home doesn't have a sprinkler system, there are a number of simple steps you can take to promote a healthier lawn and garden with less water this summer:
- Step on it: Grass doesn't always need water just because it's hot out. Step on the lawn, and if the grass springs back, it doesn't need water. An inexpensive soil moisture sensor can also show the amount of moisture at the plant's roots and discourage overwatering.
- Leave it long: Raise your lawn mower blade. Longer grass promotes deeper root growth, resulting in a more drought-resistant lawn, reduced evaporation, and fewer weeds.
- Give your hose a break: Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing them off. And don't forget to check for leaks at your spigot connection and tighten as necessary!
Links for more information & resources:
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-labeled-controllers
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/sprinkler-spruce-up
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watering-tips
https://water.ca.gov/water-basics/conservation-tips
https://www.cityoflakeport.com/public_works/water/water_conservation.php
We appreciate your assistance in helping to protect our water resources and doing your part!
Thank You!