Jan
29
Here in Colorado, last summer was ranked in the top 15th percentile of wettest summers, and in the bottom 15th percentile of hottest summers. Will it be similar this summer? Only time will tell.
But no matter what type of weather we do have, water conservation should be at the top of our minds. Last year Denver Water entered 2009 with a goal for people to water their lawns two minutes less each time, and we would save 1 billion gallons of water over the
course of the season. The great news is that goal was achieved many times over – with over 9 billion gallons less used in 2009 than in 2008.
Even though we can hope for another rainy year this year, planning is the surefire way to make sure we stay on track in 2010, and keep water conservation a growing initiative here in Denver.
1. Commit to watering less again this year. Stick with Denver Water’s goal of watering two minutes less each watering cycle. And make sure you water in the early morning or late evening hours to allow the water to penetrate the soil.
2. Put in a rain sensor. Last week we wrote about Denver Water’s rebate program for 2010. Once again, they will rebate back to you on the installation of rain gages, water sensors and rotary nozzles. Make sure you take advantage of these programs – they help you and the community do all we can to conserve.
3. Check for broken pipes and slow leaks. Denver has been cold this winter, and we’ve seen weeks of freezing days and nights. As spring arrives and we begin to thaw, make sure you head outside and begin checking for water leaks. When a pipe bursts and you have thousands of gallons of water running through your yard quickly, it’s easy to notice. But small cracks can allow thousands of gallons of water to leak over time, especially if its still cool and you’re not outside much. Make the rounds in your yard, and watch for quick changes in your landscaping.
4. Change your landscaping. Xeriscaping is still one of your best options. There are many plants that are perfect for Colorado’s climate. They can thrive during our hot, dry summers, which will return at some point. Check with your local nursery to learn more about suitable plants for Colorado’s climate, and that will suit your taste and work well on your property.
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