During the summer months when water use is at its peak, some local streams and rivers experience low stream flows that can harm fish and wildlife. You can do your part to alleviate this problem by eliminating water waste. Here are 10 water-wise ways to show some love for your watershed:
1) Water early in the day. Avoid watering during the hottest times of the day (3-6pm) and when it is really windy – when evaporation is the highest.
2) Water infrequently, but deeply. This promotes the growth of deep root systems so plants can handle longer dry spells.
3) Fix leaks. Check your system regularly and fix leaks promptly.
4) Never apply water faster than it can be absorbed. Drip irrigation systems are great for getting water to plant roots in reasonable volumes.
5) Choose native or drought-tolerant plants whenever possible. These plants are adapted to live in this climate – with less water and less maintenance!
6) Let your lawn go dormant in the summer. It will green up again in the fall.
7) Sweep your driveway or sidewalk instead of hosing it off.
8) Remove weeds regularly and use a weed barrier like mulch or fabric. Weeds rob other plants of water.
9) Redirect sprinklers to hit their target only. Watering pavement is wasteful.
10) Increase your soil\’s organic matter. By adding composted yard trimmings, manure, leaves and other organics to your soil, you can increase its water holding capacity and nutrients.
Contact us if you have questions or need some technical assistance to implement these or any other water conservation techniques on your land.
