Ideas for Water Conservation
We live in a desert. Listed below are some guidelines and restrictions for water use in this area. Watering restriction are in effect, they prohibit city residents from watering yards from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the heat of the day the sun has an evaporative effect on airborne water (spraying from sprinklers) much of this water stays in the air, never making it into the soil where plants can use it. The sun can also burn your lawn if watered during these hours. Please consider how well your sprinklers are adjusted. If the water is landing on pavement or into areas that do not require water, you are wasting water. Check KSL's H20 page to find out the latest water totals and predictions at http://water.ksl.com
Inside the House
Here are a few things that can help you conserve in the house.
Never leave water running when it is not in use.
Fix leaks as soon as they are found.
Where possible use water restricting showerheads.
Low-flow toilets (or those with a brick or mason jar in the tank) use far less water to flush.
Keep drinking water in a refrigerator, so that the water does not need to be run to get a cold drink.
Run laundry & dish washers with full loads.
Lawn Watering
Lawn watering uses nearly half of the water around homes. Most of us tend to water too often and leave sprinklers on too long. Turf studies have shown that most lawns only need to be watered once every 3 or 4 days to stay healthy and green. Watering every day encourages shallow roots. Watering infrequently develops deep roots and healthier turf. Grass roots grow deeper into the soil and become stronger with less watering. If grass does not spring back after being stepped on, it's time to water. Water only when needed. Use the following watering schedule as a guide. Your lawn may need more water when it is unusually hot or less when it is cool. Turn sprinklers off when it rains. Avoid watering on windy days or midday when the evaporation level is the highest. Try to water during the early morning hours. Proper lawn watering can save a lot of water- and that saves you money. For more information an water conservation call (801)538-7299. How to Determine Your Lawn Watering Needs
1. Set 3 or more flat bottom cans or coffee mugs at various places on your lawn at least 4 feet from any sprinkler head.
2. Turn on your sprinkler(s) for 15 minutes.
3. Measure the depth of water in each can with a ruler and determine the average water depth in the cans.
4. Match your sprinkler output with the table below. Then water the number of minutes indicated.
| Water Depth in cans |
 |
1/8 |
3/16 |
1/4 |
5/16 |
3/8 |
1/2 |
5/8 |
3/4 |
1 |
|
Spring (water every 4 days) |
Watering Time in Minutes |
52 |
34 |
26 |
20 |
17 |
13 |
10 |
9 |
6 |
| Summer (water every 3 days) |
104 |
69 |
52 |
41 |
35 |
26 |
21 |
17 |
13 |
| Fall (water every 3 days) |
69 |
51 |
39 |
31 |
26 |
19 |
15 |
13 |
10 |
We are all involved in this effort. It is wonderful to drink cool, clean water, and to have it at such a convenience. Let's not allow this luxury to fade away by lack of care in protecting it. Small efforts are all that is required. Thank your for you help in conserving water.