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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 fo
r 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.
For efficient shrub and garden watering:
- Designed for watering shrubs or individual plants.
- Applies water precisely to desired areas without watering nongrowth areas.
- When well-designed and maintained, it can eliminate runoff and evaporation.
- Very adaptable.
- Requires regular maintenance for clogging and breaks.
For efficient turf watering:
- Designed for small to medium areas (4 to 30 feet radius).
- The precipitation Rate equals .3 to .5 inches per hour.
- Applies water slowly and uniformly, which reduces runoff.
- Allows water to soak in gently.
- Nozzles can be easily installed on existing spray systems.
- The most efficient sprinkler for turf.
For large turf areas:
- Designed for medium to large areas (18 to 55 feet radius).
- The precipitation Rate equals .2 to .8 inches per hour.
- A lower precipitation rate is good for slopes or clay.
- More versatile and efficient than impact.
- Require little maintenance due to the enclosed body design.
- Quiet.
For small turf areas:
- Designed for smaller areas (3 to 15 feet radius).
- The precipitation Rate equals 1 to 2 inches per hour.
- Impact action creates mist which increases the amount of water lost to evaporation.
- Coverage uniformity is poor.
- Brass or bronze models are very durable, but they do require regular maintenance and adjustments.
- Can be noisy.
For large turf areas:
- Designed for large areas (20 to 50 feet radius).
- The precipitation Rate equals 1 to 2 inches per hour.
- Impact action creates mist which increases the amount of water lost to evaporation.
- Coverage uniformity is poor.
- Brass or bronze models are very durable, but they do require regular maintenance and adjustments.
- Can be noisy.
Resources
Check out this great water-saving link. It's a great resource for learning ways to drastically reduce your water consumption. There you can find information on the following:
- Take a home tour for water-saving opportunities
(indoor/outdoor) - Top 5 actions to save water in and around your home
Save Water, Money, and Energy Now!