water restrictions

water restrictions Hot, dry days and water restrictions don’t mean you have to let your grass die. Watering more effectively a few times a month can help keep a healthier lawn, even when there’s a cap on the usage of water. Measure sprinkler output, then create a watering schedule that meets your area’s restrictions. You will be watering your grass more efficiently, complying with local rules, and giving your grass a much-needed drink during the dry, hot months.

Measure Your Sprinkler’s Output:

A simple way to check for sprinkler coverage is by using a “catch can” test. The “catch can” (or sometimes called “catch cup”) involves placing similarly sized cans throughout the lawn, running your sprinklers for a set period of time, then measuring the water captured in each can. For example: if the can captures .25” of water in 20 minutes, it will take 1 hour 20 minutes to deliver 1” of water to the grass.

Use the Right Amount of Water at the Right Time:

During hot months, lawns require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to stay healthy. This takes about one hour for pop-up sprinkler heads and two hours for rotor sprinklers.

Check your local water restrictions and use this guide for watering your lawn:

No Water Restrictions-

Water three days per week: twice on each day, Monday, Thursday, and Saturday would be great. The start time should be at 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM.

**Pop up spray heads = 12-15 minutes per zone

**Rotor (oscillating) heads = 25-30 minutes per zone

These runtimes may vary due to shade/slope issues.

Two Water Days Per Week-

Water two days per week, three times on each day. The start time should be at 4:30 AM, 6:30 AM and 8:00 PM.

**Pop up spray heads = 12-15 minutes per zone

**Rotor (oscillating) heads = 25-30 minutes per zone

These runtimes may vary due to shade/slope issues.

One Day Per Week-

Run your irrigation 4 times on your watering day. Example start times: 4:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

**Pop up spray heads = 12-15 minutes per zone

**Rotor (oscillating) heads = 25-30 minutes per zone

These runtimes may vary due to shade/slope issues.

For step by step instructions on running your own sprinkler test visit*: http://www.conserveh2o.org/measure-your-sprinklers-water-use-watering-gauges

By checking the output of your sprinklers and creating a watering schedule, this reduces water runoff and gives your grass enough water for the week.

We’d love to help you get the most out of your lawn treatment program. We welcome your questions and comments.

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