Watering in the Summer Months 

The following watering times are based on weekly water need for areas in full sun. Decrease these times by 20% for areas that are in shade. 

Lawn Watering with Sprays or Rotors:

• Standard pop- up sprays = 29 minutes for the week
• Standard rotating sprinklers = 70 minutes for the week
• Multi-Stream Rotors (aka MP Rotators) = 110 minutes for the week

Shrub Watering with Sprays or Rotors:

• Standard pop-up sprays = 15 minutes for the week
• Standard rotating sprinklers = 35 minutes for the week
• Multi-Stream Rotors (aka MP Rotators) = 55 minutes for the week

Shrub Watering with Drip & Micro-sprays:

• Low Volume Drip System = 70-80 minutes per week
• Micro-Sprays & Bubblers = 40-50 minutes for the week

How to apply this amount of water

• Break the total time per week up into three days. For example, if you need to water for 56 minutes total for the week then you would divide that by number of watering days. (Example: 46 min / 3 days is approx. 15 minutes per watering day.)
• If runoff occurs because of a long runtime, then break up the 15 minutes into two cycles of 7 minutes each.

Note: If you are just trying to keep your landscape alive this year, reducing by 30-40% the recommended time will likely be sufficient. Most lawns and landscapes can handle reduced watering times— they will just not be as lush.

Stop leaks! 

Check all water-using appliances, equipment, and other devices for leaks. Running toilets, steady faucet drips, home water treatment units, and outdoor sprinkler systems are common sources of leaks.

• Provide only the water plants need. Automatic landscape irrigation systems are a home's biggest water user. To make sure you are not overwatering, adjust your irrigation controller at least once a month to account for changes in the weather.
• Install a WaterSense-labeled irrigation controller, which uses local weather and landscape conditions to water only when plants need it. Install a rain shutoff device or a soil moisture sensor to further control irrigation. Learn about our Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate Program.
• Plant the right plants. Whether you are installing a new landscape or changing the existing one, select plants that are appropriate for your climate. Consider landscaping techniques that create a visually appealing landscape using low-water and drought-resistant grasses, plants, shrubs, and trees. Check out the Lawn Replacement Program.
• Our Water Wise Landscaping website highlights water-wise gardening concepts tailored to the climate of Ashland and includes hundreds of diverse photos providing a wide variety of attractive examples.
• Schedule a Free Water Efficiency Checkup. Ashland offers free evaluations to help you use water efficiently. Learn more.
• Replace old toilets. The major water use inside the home is toilet flushing. If your home was built before 1992 and you haven't replaced your toilets recently, you could benefit from installing a WaterSense-labeled model that uses 1.28 gallons or less per flush. A family of four can save up to 16,000 gallons (2,139 cubic feet) of water per year by making this change. Find out more about our Toilet Rebate Program.
• Install WaterSense-labeled faucet aerators and showerheads. These products use at least 20 percent less water than standard models, while providing equal or superior performance. Come see us at 51 Winburn Way to get free aerators and showerheads!

Be Winter Wise, Winterize Your Irrigation System!

Fall is officially here when the daylight hours get shorter, and plants start to go dormant for the winter season. It's now time to prepare your irrigation system for winter temperatures. The best way to protect your irrigation investment from potential freeze damage over the winter is to “winterize” all system components. This process involves removing water from pipes, valves and sprinkler heads before freezing occurs. 

Follow these basic steps to assist you in winterizing your irrigation system: 

1. Shut off water to your sprinkler system. This can typically be done at the backflow prevention device.
2. Turn on each of the sprinkler valves to release the pressure in the pipes.
3. Drain sprinkler components as much as possible. Remove the cap and riser from the highest and lowest sprinkler in each irrigation zone to help water drain out.
4. Some systems are equipped to be blown out with compressed air. Contact an irrigation professional who offers this service.
5. After purging the system of all water, leave all the valve ports on your backflow preventer half open. Make sure to close them when you turn the system back on in the spring.
6. Turn your sprinkler controller to the off position.
7. In addition, any above ground piping, backflow preventers and valves need to be insulated. Disconnect garden hoses and place insulation caps on hose bibs.

Properly preparing your system for the winter can be far less costly than repairing damaged equipment in the spring. Consider contacting an irrigation professional to assist you with winterizing your system.