Summer is on its way! That means warmer, drier days around the Puget Sound area – a great time to practice using water wisely. Here are a few of our favorite tips for smart outdoor water use during the summer months:
Brown is the new green
Let your lawn go dormant! Most lawns only need water once a month during the summer. They may turn brown, but never fear – they’ll bounce back in the fall!
Water early and late
Water your plants before 8 am or after 7 pm, when temperatures are low and less water is lost to evaporation.
Mulch holds moisture
Add 2-3 inches of woodchip mulch to your plant beds. Mulch holds in moisture, reducing the need for watering and protects roots from overheating.
Sweep to save water
Use a broom – not a hose – to clean your sidewalks, driveways, and patios.
Get more tips for using water wisely in the summer and year-round at
www.savingwater.org.
Peak residential water rates are in effect from May 16 through September 15 each year. Peak rates use a three-tiered rate structure with progressively higher rates as water consumption increases. Since we have less rain in the summer, Seattle depends on water stored in our mountain reservoirs to meet demand while leaving enough water in the rivers for fish. Higher summer water rates encourage us to use water wisely.
