Views on water conservation

"Knowledge and commitment are key requirements for success in any endeavor."

Saving water is critical to our future.  As demand grows and eventually exceeds the available capacity and delivery system, either exceptionally expensive measures must be taken to expand capacity or water use limitations must be enacted.  Each of us can make a substantial impact on extending this resource.

Our PUD has a full plate now getting their house in order, especially with regard to fixing the billing issues and communicating effectively with the public.  Even though staff may stretched thin trying to accomplish many necessary tasks, conservation plans, both short and long term, must be developed and deployed.

So what can be done?  Well, there is always the old standbys, low flow shower heads and toilets and possibly even a residential domestic hot water circulating pump system.  But what about outside our homes.  Summer is here and we want to keep the grass and landscape beautiful and green.  After all, we worked hard, or paid someone else, to  to make our yards the envy of the neighborhood. 

So, we drag out the osculating sprinkler or, even better, that really cool self propelled tractor sprinkler.  Hoses out, sprinklers flowing freely, OK, now what?  You need to know how much water each type of landscape really requires.  Too much water can be as damaging as too little.

For the most part, watering your lawn twice as week applying 1/2 inch of water or once a week with a full inch will do the job.  So how do I know when to stop?  The old tuna can routine.  Place an empty can or similar container within the coverage area of the sprinkler and stop watering when the right depth shows in the can.  To avoid getting drenched in the process, mark a dark line at the correct depth on the can so you can monitor from a distance. 

There is always the high tech method, a sprinkler timer, but the amount applied still needs to be monitored.  However you do it, do your homework first, determine the correct watering technique for each type of plantings and lawn.

Seems this conservation blog became more like a gardening tips piece.  More on conservation next time.
Thanks and happy gardening!!
Tony