With the warmer weather, sprinklers are being turned back on to keep lawns and gardens green. Here are a few tips to keep in mind with conserving water during the hot summer months.
Quick tips on how to effectively water your lawn:
1. Early morning hours is the best time to water your lawn, between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. The air is cooler and water won’t evaporate as fast as it does in afternoon. Watering in the evening and night can cause water to cling to the grass blades which creates the potential for lawn diseases and fungus to grow.
2. For those who do not have automatic sprinklers, the best alternative is using a pulsating, revolving sprinkler. This type of sprinkler shoots out horizontally at a higher velocity and not as vulnerable to wind. However, for new grass (seed) an oscillating sprinkler is most effective. An oscillating sprinkler is softer when it lands and isn’t so strong that it will push the grass seed.
3. Water a maximum of twice per week. Too much watering can cause fungus to grow as well as a shallow root system. Fewer waterings allow roots to grow deeper. Two day per week watering schedule is now in effect for City of Turlock residents. Odd numbered residences can water on Wednesdays and Sundays. Even numbered homes on Tuesdays and Saturdays. No watering is permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
4. If your sprinklers are not on an automatic timer, be sure to use a timer when watering to remind yourself to turn off the sprinklers. Invest in a timer or use the timer on your cell phone.
Recycled water fill station
The City of Turlock’s recycled water fill station provides free recycled water to local residents to water lawns, gardens and landscaped areas. Turlock’s recycled water is also available for commercial uses such as soil compaction, dust control, cement mixing, and landscape irrigation. The fill station is a self-serve drive through system located at the Turlock Regional Water Quality Control Facility at 901 S. Walnut Road.
Those interested in utilizing recycled water must first complete an online certification program. The certification program ensures that customers understand state regulations related to recycled water such as, proper and restricted uses of recycled water, procedures for collection and transportation, along with other pertinent information. Upon completion of the online course, customers must submit a certificate of completion and a completed application to the City of Turlock Municipal Services Department at 156 S. Broadway, Ste. 270, Turlock. Approved applicants will receive an identification card and appropriate labels for their user supplied recycled water containers.
The application for recycled water use can be downloaded from the City of Turlock website at http://ci.turlock.ca.us/watersewergarbageservice/waterconservation/recycledwater.asp, or by picking up a hard copy from the Municipal Services Department.
Other water rules for the City of Turlock include:
· Washing down or hosing of sidewalks, gutters and outside structures without permission of the Municipal Services Department is prohibited. Sweeping or brushing is the best option.
· Filling of wading pools is permitted but "Slip-n-Slides" are prohibited.
· Washing of vehicles at a residence is allowed only if a positive shut-off valve (nozzle) is used, in proper operating condition and is limited to one washing per week.
For questions about water conservation, contact Municipal Services at 209-668-5590 or visit the City’s website at www.CityofTurlock.org.
