Nov 9 2008
With the rainy season just getting underway, California American Water is launching a public awareness campaign to remind local residents to turn their sprinklers off -- a simple step that protects the environment while saving water and money during the winter months.
"It may seem obvious not to water your garden while it's raining," said spokeswoman Catherine Bowie. "But with our busy lives, and the holidays around the corner, it can be easy to forget something so simple."
According to Bowie, water company employees spot residents and businesses with their sprinklers running while it's raining every year. "Not only do we see it happening, we see bills with hundreds or even thousands of gallons of daily water use, and when folks are using that much water in November or January, there's only one likely explanation," she said. "Sprinklers running in the winter account for a tremendous amount of water waste."
Turning sprinklers off also saves money. On the Monterey Peninsula, high water users pay more per unit of water than low users, as part of California American Water's state-enforced mandate to reduce water use from the Carmel River. During the winter months, customers receive a smaller allowance for water consumption and can therefore be driven quickly into a high price range if outdoor watering continues.
"We want our customers to know they can avoid high water bills by controlling their outdoor use," Bowie said. "It's good for their pocketbooks and good for the environment."
In fact, it's also good for home landscaping. Too much water can be more damaging to plants than drought. Landscaping experts estimate that 90 percent of plants killed die from overwatering. Soggy soil can prevent nutrients and air from reaching plant roots, inviting unwanted diseases such as root rot.
If there is a long break between rains, California American Water recommends manually watering landscape with a hose and a low-flow hose nozzle. One way to test if soil needs watering is by pushing a screwdriver into the ground. If it goes in easily, the soil is moist and doesn't need water.
With an average use of 75 gallons per person per day, residents on the Monterey Peninsula are among the most water wise in the country. "Our customers do an extraordinary job every day," concluded Bowie. "But there's always a few of us that just need that extra reminder!"