Water Conservation Stages, What Are They?!

Did you know that the city of Edmond has stages of outdoor watering allowances as well as a Outdoor watering Schedule? you may have seen something referencing this in your bill, perhaps you have not! At the time of this blog post Castleberry Edmond HOA is under "Stage 1" You can follow more details HERE.

Efficient Yard Watering Practices for Homeowners in Edmond, Oklahoma

As summer temperatures soar in Edmond, Oklahoma, keeping your yard green and lush can be a challenge. However, with water conservation becoming increasingly important, homeowners need to find a balance between maintaining a beautiful yard and saving both water and money. Here are some best practices to help you achieve that balance.

1. Understanding Edmond’s Climate Edmond, Oklahoma, experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. The region also faces periods of drought, making water conservation critical. Understanding the local climate is the first step in developing an efficient watering strategy.

2. Choosing the Right Plants Selecting drought-resistant and native plants can significantly reduce water usage. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less water and maintenance. Some excellent choices for Edmond include:

- Buffalograss: A native grass that requires minimal water once established.

- Purple Coneflower: A hardy perennial that thrives in dry conditions.

- Russian Sage: Known for its drought tolerance and attractive purple flowers.

3. Soil Preparation and Mulching

Soil Improvement Healthy soil retains moisture better. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, into your soil to improve its structure and water-holding capacity. This can reduce the need for frequent watering.

Mulching Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants and over garden beds. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and maintains a more consistent soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or straw, are particularly effective.

4. Efficient Watering Techniques

Watering Early or Late Water your lawn and garden early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler and evaporation rates are lower. This ensures that more water reaches the roots rather than evaporating into the air.

Deep, Infrequent Watering Watering deeply and infrequently encourages plants to develop deeper root systems, which can access water stored deeper in the soil. This makes plants more resilient during dry periods. Aim to water about 1-1.5 inches per week, including rainfall.

Use Drip Irrigation Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the base of plants, reducing water waste. They are highly efficient compared to traditional sprinklers, which can lose water to evaporation and runoff. #

Soaker Hoses Soaker hoses are another effective method for garden beds. They release water slowly and evenly along their length, ensuring that water penetrates the soil where it's needed most.

5. Smart Irrigation Systems Investing in a smart irrigation system can save significant amounts of water and money. These systems use weather data and soil moisture sensors to adjust watering schedules automatically. This ensures your lawn and garden receive the right amount of water without over-watering.

6. Lawn Care Practices

Mowing Height Set your mower to a higher setting, about 3 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and encouraging deeper root growth. This makes your lawn more drought-resistant.

Aeration Aerate your lawn annually to alleviate soil compaction and improve water infiltration. This allows water to reach the roots more effectively and reduces runoff.

Grasscycling Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. This practice, known as grasscycling, provides a natural mulch that helps retain soil moisture and returns nutrients to the soil.

7. Rainwater Harvesting Install rain barrels or other rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater from your roof. This free water can be used for watering your garden during dry periods. Edmond receives an average of 38 inches of rain annually, providing ample opportunity to collect rainwater.

8. Zoning Your Yard Divide your yard into different watering zones based on plant needs. Group plants with similar water requirements together. This allows you to tailor your watering practices to each zone, ensuring that you don’t over-water or under-water any area.

9. Regular Maintenance Regularly inspect and maintain your irrigation system to ensure it operates efficiently. Check for leaks, clogged emitters, and broken sprinklers. A well-maintained system distributes water evenly and minimizes waste.

10. Using Graywater Consider using graywater from your home for irrigation. Graywater is gently used water from sinks, showers, and laundry. It can be a valuable resource for watering ornamental plants and lawns, reducing your reliance on municipal water supplies. (Check with your local regulations before choosing this option.)

11. Community Resources and Programs Take advantage of local resources and programs aimed at promoting water conservation. Edmond’s water utility may offer rebates for installing water-efficient devices or provide free water-saving tools like hose timers and soil moisture meters. Participating in community workshops can also provide valuable tips and resources.

By adopting these water-efficient practices, homeowners in Edmond, Oklahoma, can maintain beautiful, healthy yards while conserving water and saving money. The key is to understand your local climate, choose the right plants, and implement efficient watering techniques. With a thoughtful approach to yard maintenance, you can enjoy a lush landscape even in the hottest months without straining your wallet or the environment.

Visit https://www.edmondok.gov/691/Outdoor-Watering-Schedule for more informtaion on water conservation!