With the abundant rainfall we have in the Pacific Northwest, it is sometimes difficult
to understand why we need to conserve water. As our community has grown, our water
needs have grown. We all need to use water wisely to make sure that we have it when
we need it, to reduce the cost of developing new supplies and to leave more water in
the rivers for fish and recreation.
Voluntary Summer Watering Program
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Watering thoroughly, but infrequently, produces a deep-rooted lawn which is more water-efficient and drought-tolerant. Shallow and frequent
waterings lead to shallow-rooted plants with less drought tolerance.
Figure from UM Extension Program
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During the summer months, water use doubles, or even triples, as homeowners and businesses care for their landscapes. This increase in water use is known as "summer peaking." Peaking is a concern because we draw water faster than sources are replenished.
This summer, we are asking Tigard homeowners and businesses to help us curb the summer peak through a Voluntary One Inch Per Week Watering Program.
Like the
name suggests, we are asking consumers to water their lawns with only one inch of water per week.
This is a voluntary plan, but this simple change in your watering habits will make a huge
difference in the daily water peak. However, never apply water at a faster rate than it can
soak into the soil. If you need to water for 10 minutes and the water begins to run off the
lawn after five minutes, then five minutes is the longest you should water at any one time.
Wait 30 minutes to allow the water to soak in, and then water again. Keep repeating this
process until you have applied water for the total number of minutes you have scheduled.
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More Information!
See Outdoor Water Conservation Tips for more helpful
advice on how to beat the peak!
For more information about maintaining your lawn, free brochures or a free watering gauge,
please contact Water Conservation Program Coordinator at 503-718-2599 or email
jennifer@tigard-or.gov.
As a member of the Regional Water Providers Consortium, Tigard encourages you to visit
www.conserveh2o.org for more information
on smart and easy ways to save water. We have also created a special place for everyone, especially
kids to learn more about how your water works at
www.conserveh2o.org/kids.html.
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