We can all make a difference in saving water and protecting our community's water resources.

The Unified Government's Public Utilities Department, Cooperative Extension Office and Master Gardener Program offer the following reminders for effective & efficient water use:

Know your current Outdoor Water Restrictions for Athens-Clarke County.

More plants are killed by overwatering than underwatering - they can literally drown if given too much water.

Overwatering can also lead to problems with disease in turf grass and ornamental plants if they stay wet for an extended period of time.

Don't water unless your grass tells you it needs it. Water lawn when grass starts to show a grayish color or if you walk across the lawn and the blades of grass don't spring back up right away.

Water after 10:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. (even if Outdoor Water Restrictions allow for different times)

1"-1.5" of water per week is a general rule for established vegetation. The best way to measure while irrigating is to get multiple containers of the same size (tuna or cat food cans work well) and measure how long it takes to provide an inch of water. The time will vary greatly depending on conditions. Note: a rain gauge will only tell you how much water you received in that one location, the cans spread out over the area can give you an average of when one inch of water is achieved.

Apply enough water to soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. But do not irrigate until run-off occurs. Allow water to soak in soil while you irrigate another area; then water the area again

Soil moisture indicators can be used to check plants' soil. Some may need water when others do not. Also, some plants are more tolerant of dry conditions than others once established.

Don't fertilize during this time of year! The fertilizer acts as salt and requires more water for vegetation. Just like in the tip below, new growth requires energy which the current root system and water may not be able to supply.

Drought resistance among grasses are as follows: Bermuda grass (most resistant), St. Augustine, Centipede, Zoysia and Tall Fescue (least drought resistant).

Avoid unnecessary trimming. Plants use energy and water for new growth; trimming encourages plants to use more of both.

Consider a soaker hose or drip irrigation method. You can save water due to reduced evaporation and make sure more water gets to roots.

Don't forget to use a rain barrel, which collects water that can be used at any time without restriction. Call the Athens-Clarke County Cooperative Extension Office at 706-613-3640 for outlets or Stormwater Management at 706-613-3440 ext. 383 for more information on buying or constructing your own rain barrels. Please note that some sources of water for rain barrels shouldn't be used on edible plants and don't forget to use a mosquito briquet if necessary.

Publication references and links (all are also linked through thinkatthesink.com)

Call Athens-Clarke County Cooperative Extension at 706-613-3640 for more info and assistance

Return to Public Utilities / Think at the Sink