During the summer, daily water usage is as much as two-and-a-half times that of winter use because of outdoor water use and irrigation. This increased water use stresses local water resources and infrastructure. However, practicing a low-water-use lifestyle outdoors is a way everyone can help conserve water. WaterSmart landscaping and efficient irrigation are two effective ways so conserve water resources during the summer.
What is WaterSmart Landscaping?
WaterSmart Landscaping is creating a yard that requires little to no irrigation; however, this doesn’t mean there are no plants. Installing native plants creates a low water use, colorful yard that can provide flowers all summer long and, coupled with rain water harvesting, can have almost no water requirements but still be the talk of the block! Visit prescottwatersmart.com for examples of local WaterSmart landscapes, to select native and low-water-use plants, share photos and landscape designs, and find local landscape resources. Plus, the City of Prescott provides rebates to help residents create WaterSmart landscapes, including up to $300 for rain barrel installation, up to $400 for turf replacement and $75 for irrigation improvements. Don’t forget to submit a photo of your WaterSmart yard to share with others!
Native plants are resilient to seasonal weather patterns as well as extended dry periods. Once established, native plants require very little, if any, watering and are low maintenance because of their ability to survive the seasonal weather variations with minimal assistance. In contrast, non-native plants, such as turf grass, are not adapted to seasonal dry periods so require a lot of maintenance and additional water to survive. This is expensive and consumes a significant portion of local water resources.
Collecting rainwater to irrigate the landscape is an effective way to conserve water and save money. Rain barrels are easy to install and allow you to capture rainwater during wet times to use during dry spells. Collecting the water off a 1,000 square foot roof from a one inch rainfall provides more than 600 gallons of water! You can also use natural topography to capture rainwater in your landscape by creating swales and depressions. Adding native plants to the swales and directing downspouts into the areas creates a water-efficient, flowing landscape.
When is the Best Time to Water?
Watering at the most efficient time of day can help conserve water. In 2006, the City of Prescott adopted a Time of Day Outdoor Watering restriction into City Code to improve the community’s efforts for conservation-minded irrigation and to meet state water conservation requirements. From April 15 through Nov. 1, City of Prescott residents may water outdoors between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Residents are encouraged to set irrigation timers to run between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. because daily temperatures, winds and evaporation rates are typically at their lowest during these early morning hours. This means you get the most out of your watering, which saves you money and conserves local water resources. In addition, early morning watering is a better time for most plants to uptake water since they are less stressed than during the heat of the day.
Remember, we all play a part in living WaterSmart! Practicing a low-water-use lifestyle outdoors is a way everyone can help conserve water. Visit www.prescottwatersmart.com for help creating your WaterSmart yard and keep the watering to the early morning. QCBN
Annikki Chamberlain is the water resource coordinator for the City of Prescott.