Water demand has been especially high in Waukee this week. With hot temperatures and no additional rain in the forecast, the City of Waukee activated Stage 1 of its Water Conservation Plan on July 29, 2022. Stage 1 aims to reduce turf irrigation by 25% to reduce water usage. The City is asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce their water usage. If demand outpaces supply, restrictions may be required.
In Stage 1, the City highly encourages residents and businesses to focus on reducing water usage for lawns and turf. The City will also take measures to reduce water usage by minimizing high water use activities, such as suspending the hydrant flushing program (except for water quality purposes). If all Waukee residents take simple measures to reduce water usage, we can protect our water supply.
Here are 5 helpful actions you can take today to reduce water usage at your home or business:
1. Use the right amount of water
Water only when needed and don’t overwater. Look at the grass, feel the soil, or use a soil moisture meter to determine when to water. Soil can hold only so much moisture, and the rest simply runs off.
2. Timing is everything
If you must water gardens or your lawn, do so in the early morning hours to reduce evaporation and reduce overall water usage. Follow the recommended irrigation days from Des Moines Water Works (or choose fewer days to further conserve water!). Also avoid doing water-heavy activities during midday when evaporation is highest, such as washing your car, playing in the sprinkler or filling swimming pools.
3. Programming automated sprinklers
If you have automated sprinklers, adjust settings to fewer days per week and/or reduce the number of minutes they run. Be sure to deactivate them on cool, overcast days and when it rains.
4. Inspect for leaks
Check outdoor faucets, sprinklers, hoses and pools for leaks. Even a small leak can waste many gallons of water over time. Repair or replace as needed.
5. Repurpose leftover water
Don't dump leftover ice or water in the sink. Give your plants a drink! Extra ice, half-full glasses of water, collected water from a dehumidifier or even cooled water from cooking vegetables can be used to water your plants indoor and out. If you must wash your car, park it on the lawn instead of the driveway and turn off the hose while you scrub.
Get bonus points by reducing your water consumption inside your home with 5 best practices:
- Identify and repair leaking fixtures; a small drip can waste many gallons of water.
- Wash only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
- Shorten shower times; every minute you cut can save more than 2 gallons of water, which adds up quickly!
- Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving.
- Install faucet aerators to increase velocity and decrease amount of water used.
Original source can be found here.
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