WATER CONSERVATION OUTSIDE THE HOME


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Recommended Methods for Storm Water Protection

Did know know?

A standard garden hose can discharge up to 6.5 gallons per minute.

To apply an inch of water to 1,000 sq. ft. of lawn requires 620 gallons.

Typically over 50% of the water use for a single family home in Utah is used for lawn and garden. 
 

What Can You Do?

Maintenance:

  • Fix leaks in faucets, pipes, hoses, and pool/ spa.
  • Visually inspect your sprinklers system once a month and repair leaks.
  • Install drip system for trees, shrubs, and flowers. They use less water than minsters.

Watering Methods:

  • Water only once or twice a week during the spring and fall.
  • Create a low-maintenance lawn by fertilizing and watering less and mowing taller.
  • Mow to at least 3" in height and do not cut off more than 1/3 of the total length. Over use of fertilizers and pesticides can potentially pollute water sources, so use these chemicals sparingly.

Watering Methods continued:

  • Remember, the more you water and fertilize, the more your lawn grows, requiring more maintenance.
  • Water at night in cycles. For example, three six-minute sessions will decrease run-off and increase absorption.
  • Only water when needed and only the plants that need it. It is natural for plants to wilt a bit in the evening as long as they perk up in the morning.
  • Mulch all areas of exposed soil, including potted plants. Do not water on windy days. Add organic materials to sandy or clay soils to increase its ability to hold water.
  • Use a soil tester to check moisture levels at the root zone to determine when watering is necessary.

Consider Updating your Landscape

  • Try planting drought tolerant and regionally adapted plants.
  • Ask yourself, how much lawn do I actually use? Consider replacing unused lawn with drought tolerant plants or ground cover.
  • Arrange plants in your garden according to water needs, if done correctly this will prevent overwatering or under- watering of plants.
  • Install wood decking or bricks or stone with interlocking patters instead of impervious cement walkways.
  • Consider Xeriscaping.

Cleaning Methods

  • Sweep instead of using water.
  • Do not use water to clean gutters.
  • Use a bucket of non-toxic soap and water to clean the car and turn water off when not needed.
  • Wash your car over your lawn if possible.
  • Do not clean your car during the hottest part of the day when water evaporates quickly.
  • Consider using a commercial facility.

Pool and Spa:

Even a small leak of one inch a day in a 15X30 ft. pool can waste 102,000 gallons a year.

  • Cover your pool or spa.
  • Repair leaks.
  • Reduce the temperature of heated pools. Warm water evaporates more quickly than cool.
  • Manually clean your filter, this will do a better job and save water.
  • Re-evaluate the frequency of your back-washing and make adjustments to conserve.

Spill Response

Dial 911

-or-

Washington Terrace Public Works Department
(801) 395-8289

-or-

Weber-Morgan Health Department
Daytime: (801) 399-7160
24-Hour: (801-399-7169)

 

Find Used Oil Recyclers Near You

Call 1-800-458-0145
-or-
Visit Utah DEQ Website

Additional Storm Water Protection Information:

 

 

This information is modified by Washington Terrace City, from brochures created by the Salt Lake County Engineering Division.