EARLY SEASON WATER CONSERVATION TIPS – SPRING

Short-Term

1. Fix leaks inside and outside of homes.
2. Tune up sprinkling systems by replacing broken heads and making sure sprinkler system works properly.  An efficient sprinkler system applies an even distribution of water across your turf area.  Make sure sprinklers are not spraying onto roads or other hard surfaces.
3. Don’t turn automatic sprinkler clocks on too early in the year.  Operate sprinkler systems manually in the spring only when lawn and landscape show signs of needing water.  This will encourage roots to grow deeper.
4. Running sprinklers for shorter, multiple runs is better than one long run to minimize water run-off.  Many soils cannot absorb water as fast as a sprinkler system can deliver it.  Example: Rather than running sprinklers for 30 minutes, run them three times for 8-10 minutes.
5. Do not water from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to cut down evaporation losses during the heat of the day.
6. Schedule a “Water Check” by calling 1-877-728-3420 (1-877-SaveH2O).  The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District will send a trained Utah State University intern to your home to help you evaluate your water needs.

Long-Term 

1. If you are landscaping for the first time, consider water conserving plants and turf grasses.  Existing yards may also be retrofitted with water conserving plants; also a well-designed sprinkler system may cost a little more but will save water and dollars in the long run.
2. Consider zonal designs for your sprinkler system that apply water at different rates according to the water requirements of the areas you are watering.  For example, trees and shrubs may have different watering requirements than turf grasses.
3. Use landscape fabrics and mulches to minimize evaporation losses.
4. Examples of these concepts can be viewed at the Water Conservation Demonstration Gardens at the Jordan Valley Conservancy District, 8215 South 1300 West, West Jordan, UT, Phone: 1-877-728-3420 (1-877-SaveH2O).  Additional conservation information can be found at https://www.jvwcd.org.  Additional literature is also available from the Utah State University Extension Service.