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TIPS FOR CONSERVING WATER Touisville has a semi -arid climate and multi -year idroughts. Outdoor watering is approximately 55% of residential use. Smart irrigation can lead to a 30 -80% water savings! Remember these tips for utilizing water wisely and have a great summer. LAWN CARE Never water at 3 PM when high temperatures occur; Water ONLY between 10 PM and 9 AM when it is less windy and less water evaporates (night watering does NOT encourage disease). Water evaporation at 60 °F is 66% less than at 100 °F! nUse a timer, they are available for all sprinkler types; Mow grass to 2.5" to 3" to shade roots and help hold moisture; Maintain your sprinkler system: broken heads? sprayers turning properly? nozzles plugged? water hitting pavement? nCalibrate sprinklers. Place containers (tuna fish cans) in your yard, measure water depth in cans in different areas. Then determine the time it takes to apply 1/4 - r /a" water; Water only when needed (when footprints in grass don't disappear in an hour). GARDENING Water only when needed, optimally every 2 -7 days; Water deeply /less frequently, it encourages deep root growth and drought tolerance; Convert to trickle /drip irrigation, it reduces water needs approximately 50 %; nMulch decreases soil temperature and soil's exposure to wind; nPlant in blocks, it creates shade for roots and reduces evaporation. For more information: City of Louisville Water Conservation & Rebates: wwwLouisvilleCO.gov, under the Public Works section. Center for Resource Conservation: conservationcenter.org/w_main.htm CSU Extension Service: www.ext.colostate.edu/menu_garden.html Information provided by the Sustainability Advisory Board, "promoting sustainability through energy efficiency, resource conservation, and localization to better the environment, social well - being and economic viability of the City of Louisville." The board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. Agendas and information available at www.LouisvilleCO.gov. WAYS TO PROTECT LOCAL WATERWAYS Did you know that pol- lutants from everyday activities can be washed into storm drains, which lead directly to the nearest waterway? There are several ways that you can protect your lo- cal creeks, lakes, and ponds. Litter: Even the tiniest pieces of litter from cigarette butts, plastic bags, bottles, and paper can end up in our waterways if they are not properly disposed of or recycled. You can help: Pick up litter and properly dispose of it in the trash or recycle bin. Lawn and Garden: When it rains, fertilizer can run off your lawn into streams, lakes and ponds through the storm drain system. You can help: 1) Avoid overwatering your yard. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system instead of a sprinkler. 2) Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. KEEP IT CLEAN Auto Care: Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants into streams and lakes through the storm drain system. You can help: 1) Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car in your yard so the water soaks into the ground. 2) Recycle vehicle main- tenance products. For more information, call the House- hold Hazardous Waste Hotline at 303.441.4800. Pet Care: Pet waste can contain bacteria that are carried in rainwater and snowmelt — ending up untreated in Colorado's lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. You can help: Keep a bag on your dog's leash at all times and scoop the poop. Be a Spill Sleuth! To report a spill, call the spill hotline at 303.441.4444. For more information and to learn how you can get involved, please visit KeepltCleanPartnership.org, or call 303.441.1439. KEEP IT CLEAN `CAUSE WE'RE ALL DOWNSTREAM May 2011 4