Be Water Wise

In the summer months, water use usually doubles in Saskatoon. Much of this increase is due to lawn and garden watering. Be Water Wise this summer and save yourself money and reduce waste! Watch our video on the Importance of Water.

What can you do?
Being water wise doesn't necessarily mean watering less, but it does mean watering smarter. A set schedule for watering your lawn can be quite wasteful. A more efficient way is to only water when your lawn needs it. Grass needs about an inch of water once a week so the roots are encouraged to grown deep and thick. If you leave footprints on your lawn, it's likely time to water.

How long should you water?

Use the tuna can test to determine how long to run your sprinklers. This simple test is good for both in-ground sprinklers or from a hose and sprinkler.

• For in-ground sprinklers - place empty tuna cans in a scatter pattern within one zone of your system. Time how long it takes to fill the cans. That's how long you should run your spinkler once a week. Repeat for each zone as there may be differences.
• For hose and sprinkler systems - place empty tuna cans in a straight line, evenly spaced, from the sprinkler to the end of its watering arc. Time how long it take sto fill the cans. That's how long you should run your sprinkler once a week.

How can you cut back on the need for water?
Healthy lawns require less water. Follow these tips to keep your lawn strong and ready for hot weather.

• Aerate once a year
• De-thatch
• Fertilize the soil by raking in compost or weed-free soil
• Keep lawn at least 3 inches high by raising your mower blades

 For more water wise tips, visit saskatoon.ca