CAMDEN– With the summer quickly approaching, an area utility company New Jersey American Water is offering tips to help customers reduce their water usage.
These tips and insights are designed to help customers save money while alleviating stress on water supplies and infrastructure as we head into the warmer weather months.
“As the temperatures go up and people are spending more time at home, they tend to use more water for watering lawns and plants, as well as for outdoor recreation,” Thomas Shroba, vice president of operations at New Jersey American Water said.
Shroba added, “unfortunately, many customers don’t think about the increased amount of water they are using and the reality hits when they get a higher water bill. Our goal is to raise people’s awareness and help them with simple tips they can implement to save water now so they can save money later.”
Here are some wise water tips for outdoor water use:
- Reuse it. Use water from rain barrels and kiddie pools for watering lawn and gardens.
Embrace the bucket! Instead of using a running hose, use water contained in a bucket for washing cars and pets, and rinsing sandy/grassy feet.
- Timing is everything. Only water during the coolest parts of the day (early morning or evening) to minimize evaporation. Also, be aware of which plants don’t need to be watered every day.
- Odd/Even Watering of your lawn. Watering your lawn uses a lot of water, so only water your lawn when it needs it. Generally, lawns only need an inch or so of water per week.
- Rain delay. Watch weather forecast to avoid watering and then having “Mother Nature” re-watering your garden, which could also damage plants.
- Pick your plants wisely. Purchase varieties that require less water and remain hearty in drier weather. And don’t forget to mulch (only 2-3”) to help with water retention.
- Be a leak detective. Find and fix leaks and breaks in hoses, sprinkler systems and pipes. For help, download New Jersey American Water’s Leak Detection Kit at newjerseyamwater.com under Water Information.
- Raise the blade. Raise the level of your lawnmower blade to avoid lawn burnout and the need for watering.
- Keep an eye out. Watch your sprinkler’s “sweep” to make sure all the water is reaching vegetation that needs it and not the pavement! Check this frequently in case a person or animal has accidentally redirected your sprinkler.
More tips for indoor and outdoor water use can be found on New Jersey American Water’s website at newjerseyamwater.com.
