Fort Worth's water usage is over twice as high in the summer as it is in the winter because of the water we put into our landscapes. Summer water peaks are associated to an increase in residential outdoor watering.
In April, the Fort Worth City Council adopted a Drought Contingency/Emergency Water Management Plan. Implementation of water restrictions would be triggered when water demands or supply reach specified levels. Efficient outdoor watering practices can help delay or avoid restrictions. To use water efficiently, avoid watering your lawn between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dont over water. Deep and infrequent watering is the key to a healthy lawn. Keep those automatic sprinkler systems on manual so you end up watering during the rain, or just after it rained.
There are four stages to the drought/emergency plan. Stage 1 is a warning and includes no mandatory measures. Stage 2 restrictions prohibit lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and allow for watering only once every five days based on the last digit of your address. Stages 3 and 4 ad more restrictions. The entire plan can be viewed at all Fort Worth Public Libraries and online at http://www.fortworthgov.org/water.
Here are some watering tips to ensure efficient water use and delay Stage 2 restrictions:
* Water only when needed. The grass will turn an off color and footprints will remain when it needs water.
* Water deeply. An inch of water penetrates four to six inches below ground. Use a tuna can or sprinkler gauge to measure when you reached an inch.
* Water early. This will reduce wasteful evaporation.
* Water slowly. Clay soils have a slow absorption rate and may runoff because water is applied to quickly. To ensure the best absorption, turn off the sprinkler when runoff occurs. Wait 20 minutes for water to absorb into ground. Dig a test hole to see how deeply it absorbed. Repeat steps until the water penetrates six inches deep.
* Never water on windy days.
* Mulch two to three times a year with organic matter on flower, garden and shrub beds. This slows evaporation, regulates soil temperature and retards weed germination.
* Choose plants native or adapted to this region and soil conditions.
* In the summer, let the grass grow a little longer. Taller grass holds moisture better and slows down evaporation.
Speakers are available to discuss efficient water use techniques with neighborhood associations and civic groups. To arrange a speaker, email us at WPE@fortworthgov.org or call us at 817-392-6565.