SEATTLE — With summer officially kicking off on Thursday, June 21, many Seattleites will be getting out in their gardens, enjoying the warm weather.
Summer often results in a big increase in outdoor water use. In summer, water use in our region nearly doubles, with most of the extra water going on lawns and gardens. Fifty percent or more of this water is often wasted due to evaporation, runoff, or overwatering.
By watering efficiently, residents can have beautiful, healthy gardens while saving money and conserving water for the environment, salmon, and other wildlife.
Here are five things people can do in their yards to use water wisely this summer:
- Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation. By allowing water to seep directly into the soil, soaker hoses put water exactly where your plants need it — at the root zone.
- Tune-up your irrigation system. Improving the efficiency of an automatic sprinkler system can reduce summer water bills by one-third while maintaining a healthy lawn and garden and you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $450.
- Water deeply and less often. Make sure you let the top few inches of soil dry before watering again. You’ll encourage deep roots and help to prevent disease.
- Water only between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. Watering during the hotter parts of the day can result in loss of up to 50 percent of water through evaporation.
- Water better with the weather! Rain is free, so check the weather forecast before watering. If rain is forecast, put off watering a few days.
Visit the Saving Water Partnership website or contact the Natural Lawn and Garden Hotline to learn more: (206) 633-0224 or e-mail info@lawnandgardenhotline.org
In addition to providing more than 1.4 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area with a reliable water supply, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the City’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region's environmental resources.
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