Turn back the clocks and turn down the sprinkler systems
October 21, 2002
Shorter daylight hours and cooler weather mean lawns and gardens throughout the San Diego region need less water. As San…
Shorter daylight hours and
Turn back the clocks and turn down the sprinkler systems
October 21, 2002
Shorter daylight hours and cooler weather mean lawns and gardens throughout the San Diego region need less water. As San…
Shorter daylight hours and cooler weather mean lawns and gardens throughout the San Diego region need less water. As San Diegans prepare to set their clocks back Oct. 31, the San Diego County Water Authority and local water districts request that customers practice “Shorter Days, Shorter Watering Times.” Homeowners, gardeners and landscape contractors are encouraged to conserve water and save money on water bills by adjusting residential and commercial irrigation systems.
“Homeowners should be cutting back on their watering as daylight hours grow shorter and the sun’s intensity decreases,” said Bill Jacoby, water resources manager for the Water Authority. “Not only will this produce significant water savings for the region, but it will also help reduce individual water bills.”
Studies have shown that almost 50 percent of San Diego County’s residential water is used for landscaping. Most over-watering occurs during the fall season. Over-watering can be as damaging to vegetation as under-watering.
Homeowners should begin now to gradually cut back watering times by approximately 10 percent every three weeks until winter rains arrive. As they reduce water times, they should continually monitor soil moisture to prevent stress. Stress is recognized as wilting and/or a lack of luster in leaves or blades of grass.
“Check for moisture by taking a soil sample and rolling or squeezing it into a ball in your hand. If it won’t form into a ball, it’s probably too dry,” said Jacoby. “If it forms a ball, rub it with your thumb. If it doesn’t crumble, it contains enough moisture to supply water to plants.
Sandy soils are the exception as they will always crumble, even when wet.”
By watering in the early morning or later in the evening, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m, homeowners can save water. During the cooler hours, less evaporation takes place and there is less wind to waste water by scattering the droplets onto sidewalks and driveways.
The Landscape Calculator at www.sdcwa.org will assist homeowners in determining water