For Immediate Release: May 29, 2008
Contact: Communications Specialist
Lisa Wilson, 303-538-7282
Water Resources Analyst
Laura Wing, 720-977-6514

Little water, lush lawn

Tips to balance water conservation with summer lawn watering

THORNTON, CO…It’s still spring, but we’re already seeing the hot, dry conditions of summer. That means turning on the sprinklers to ensure a green lawn. With water conservation such an important issue, there are some simple things you can do to have a great lawn without wasting water, for instance, follow these summer water guidelines:

Summer Watering Guide
Minutes of Watering per Zone (each watering day - 2 watering days per week)
		June		July		August		September
Fixed Spray Heads		20		23		20		13
Rotor Heads		43		50		43		29
Manual Sprinklers		30		35		30		20
These are general guidelines. Your landscape might require more or less.

During the summer, lawns only need to be watered two days a week. In extreme summer heat, add one more day.

• Check the timer on your sprinkler system each month to make sure it follows the recommended watering times.
• If you use a hose to water the lawn, set a hose faucet timer to automate watering times.
• Water the lawn before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. It cuts down on evaporation.
• Turn off your irrigation system when it's supposed to rain or high winds are predicted.
• Spread out your watering days to encourage deeper grass roots.
• Break the amount of watering time for each zone into three shorter cycles to allow water to soak deeper into the soil.

Last summer Thornton water-saving champions pledged to save 1,770,250 gallons of water, and this year we have even more residents pledging to conserve. To become a water-saving champion, or for more water-saving tips for the home and garden, go to www.ThorntonWater.com. For information on water conservation call Thornton Water Resources Analyst Laura Wing at 720-977-6514.

 

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