LOUDOUN WATER
www.loudounwater.org 44865 Loudoun Water Way Ashburn, VA 20147
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LOUDOUN WATER UPDATE | JULY/AUGUST 2015
JULY: SMART IRRIGATION MONTH July is Smart Irrigation Month, an initiative by the Irrigation Association to increase public awareness of the value of water-use efficiency, as well as watersaving products, practices and services. Landscape to suit your lot Choose grass or plants that have lower water requirements and will thrive in our climate. Consider your lot’s exact features like sun, shade, dry and damp areas, plant size and how you plan to use each section of your yard. Keep soil healthy Aerating your lawn and around trees at least once a year helps improve water penetration. When planting, turn and cultivate the soil and add compost or fertilizer to improve moisture retention and grow healthier plants that need less water to stay strong. Mulch well around plants, bushes and trees Using two to four inches of mulch reduces evaporation, moderates spikes and lows in soil temperatures, improves water penetration and helps control weeds that compete for water.
water they need without over watering. Separate plants from grassy areas, which have different water requirements. Plant in spring or fall Avoid planting in the summer when temperatures are hotter, which means plants will need more water to become fully established. Save grass for functional areas Plant grass in play zones and other areas where it will be used and enjoyed. Plant shade trees The shade they cast creates natural “airconditioning,” lowering air and soil temperatures and reducing soil moisture loss. Maintain your yard regularly A well-maintained yard requires less water, so weed, prune and mow as needed.
Hydro-zone your yard Group plants with similar moisture needs in the same area to make it easier for them to get the
RECOMMENDED TWO-DAY PER WEEK WATERING SCHEDULE: Odd home addresses: Wednesday & Saturday Even home addresses: Thursday & Sunday Commercial companies: Tuesday & Friday Avoid watering from 10 AM - 4 PM to reduce evaporation and water waste.This schedule evenly distributes water use which helps ensure reliable supplies, and it leaves Monday alone - a chance for storage tanks to refill after a weekend of heavy water use.