Spring is finally underway. For many in New Jersey, this means the start of new gardening, lawn and landscaping plans. The spring planting season also coincides with the beginning of the area’s months of peak water demand.
In the height of summer, water usage in Monmouth County alone reaches 80 million gallons a day or more in the peak demand periods. Much of this increase comes from outdoor water usage in the summer months.
The demand for water in Monmouth County has been steadily increasing over the last 100 years, yet the current water supply in New Jersey has been essentially the same for decades.
Consumers can take steps early in the season to save both water and money on their water bills before the peak months are in full swing. According to Rutgers Cooperative Extension, using smart irrigation and landscaping practices, home and property owners can decrease their outdoor water usage and help conserve the water supply.
Keep in mind that it’s not necessary to water the lawn every day. Watering just two or three times per week for about 45 minutes per area allows the soil to absorb the water and encourages deep root growth, which makes lawns more drought-tolerant. An easy way to check if the lawn needs water? Just step on the lawn. If the grass springs back, it doesn’t need water. Make sure to water lawns and gardens early in the morning before the heat of the day starts.
Homeowners and other property owners with sprinkler or irrigation systems can adopt a number of practices to not only conserve water, but use it more efficiently.
At the beginning of spring, have your irrigation system inspected and tested. Check piping for leaks, breaks or collapsed lines. Sprinkler heads should be operating correctly and adjusted properly so that the correct areas are watered. Make sure sprinklers aren’t aimed at driveways, streets or other paved areas.
Another good idea is to adopt an odd/even watering schedule that corresponds to your street address. To conserve even more water, skip watering on the 31st of the month and on July 4, which is considered the peak water-demand period of the year.
Speak Your Mind