Did you know?
The average person uses up to 100 gallons of water per day. Also, 90 percent of the water we pump during the summer is used on our lawns and gardens.
Residents and businesses, including licensed residential and commercial irrigation contractors, are strongly encouraged to follow the below irrigation guidelines to reduce usage, save money, and, most importantly, protect our most precious natural resource for generations to come.
What Can I Do
To Conserve Water?
Install a Smart Irrigation Controller
Smart irrigation controllers have proven to help reduce peak water consumption by as much as 30 percent. These devices connect to local weather stations via WiFi to help your irrigation system better predict and apply water as needed.
Follow Nassau County’s Odd/Even Lawn Watering Ordinance
- Even-numbered homes are permitted to water on even-numbered days
- Odd-numbered homes are permitted to water on odd-numbered days
- All watering is prohibited between the hours of 10am and 4pm
Other Water Saving Tactics – Outdoor
- Reducing water times on zones by four minutes will save approximately 20 percent in water usage.
- Check for leaks or broken sprinkler heads.
- Check automatic rain and soil moisture sensors to ensure they are working properly.
- Consider integrating native/drought resistant plants to reduce water usage.
- Install spring-loaded shutoff nozzles on all garden hoses.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways.
Indoor Water Conservation
- More modern washing machines require only about 23 gallons of water per load, compared to their older counterparts, which can use up to 41 gallons, and are equipped with more options that help reduce water use.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when loads are full to conserve water and save on electricity.
- Place a pitcher of tap water in the refrigerator to eliminate the need to run the faucet for a cool drink. Leave it uncovered so chlorine can dissipate.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
- Insulate all water pipes located along outside walls and in unheated areas such as garages, pantries and cabinets — paying special attention to the cooler north side of the house.
- If you go on a winter vacation, never shut off your heat completely to avoid broken water pipes. Have someone periodically check on the house.
- Defrost frozen water pipes slowly by applying heat from a portable hair dryer.
- Limit your shower to five minutes.
- Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of using running water.
- Water from your tap can be stored for six months and water that has been boiled for one to three minutes can be stored for up to one year in proper containers.
- DO NOT overwater: Only one to two inches of water are needed per week (including rain) to encourage healthy growth
- Employ the “Cycle & Soak” method to minimize runoff and promote deep saturation. For example, instead of watering each zone for 30 minutes, set the timer to operate the irrigation system for two cycles of 10 minutes, giving the water ample time to soak into the soil between cycles.
- Utilize a slow-drip irrigation system in your garden beds.
- Keeping the length of your lawn at 3 inches reduces evaporation, improves root growth and minimizes weeds.
- Try leaving clippings on the lawn to improve water retention and help grass grow thicker.
- Consider landscaping that requires less water such as forsythia, lilacs, pines, daylilies, marigolds, lavender, zinnias and African daisies.
- Maintain a compost pile and add it to your garden, along with wood chips or peat moss to boost water retention.
- Cover pools and hot tubs when not in use to reduce evaporation.
- Regularly check sprinklers, pools and spas for leaks and repair them as soon as possible.