July 18, 2013

July is Smart Irrigation Month!

The summer month brings warmer weather and our lawns, vegetable gardens, and flowers all need a little more water attention. With the rise of water use during these hot days, the Portland Water Bureau has made a simple list to help make every drop count.

Following these smart practices can make your outdoor space not only vibrant, but also efficient.

• Water when the potential for evaporation is low – late in the evening or, preferably, early in the morning.
• If you water your landscape with a hand-held hose, use a device with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
• Use a drip irrigation system in planting beds that allows water to work its way slowly into the soil and keeps evaporation at a minimum.
• Regularly inspect and repair broken heads and pipes if using an in-ground automatic irrigation system.

To learn more about efficient irrigation systems visit the Portland Water Bureau website.

In the summer it’s important to water smarter, not harder!