Outdoor Water Saving Tips

Conserving Water Saves Energy & Money

A majority of your water use and water waste occurs outdoors, especially during the hot summer months. That's why being water efficient is especially important this time of year. Carmichael Water District, SMUD, and other Regional Water Authority water providers are urging customers to water outdoors only between midnight and 10 am, and avoid the peak demand times of 5 to 8 am. Scheduling your sprinkling times during these time periods helps two ways: you increase your water efficiency by reducing water loss through evaporation and you help save energy by putting less strain on the power grid during peak demand times.

Before you begin your next irrigation/gardening project, pick up a brochure titled “Easy Water-Wise Gardening” or “Water Efficient Landscapes” at the District office. In it, you will find helpful tips and resources.

How Much Water Are You Using

Are you using more water than you thought? Take a look at your bill. The average daily water use in our District is approximately 822 gallons per household per day. You'd be surprised at how much water you are using and the money you can save by following conservation tips.

Today, water conservation has many meanings. It means storing, saving, reducing, or recycling water.

For Carmichael Water District, it means:

• Encouraging residents to install and use high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and educating them about water-saving habits
• Promoting installation and conversion to water-efficient landscapes
• Reducing peak demands to avoid the extra costs of investing in additional pumping and treatment plants
• Metering water (customers pay for what they use)

Irrigation Methods

• Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of watering for non-turf areas such as bedded plants, trees, or shrubs. Drip systems minimize or eliminate evaporation, impede weed growth, and may help prevent grass diseases caused by under or over-watering.
• Soaker hoses are an inexpensive alternative to drip irrigation. Soil moisture should be monitored to determine when enough water has been applied.
• In-ground irrigation systems can be automatic, manual, or a combination. The automatic system can provide an efficient method of irrigating lawns because controllers turn the system off after a predetermined amount of time so a measured amount of water is applied. Check timing devices regularly to make sure they are operating properly. Watch for broken or misdirected sprinklers.
• If using a hose and sprinkler, place the sprinkler in the area that is driest. Allow the sprinkler to run the proper length of time and adjust the hose and sprinkler until it waters just the grass or shrubs, not paved areas.