Iowans are welcoming the new season after a rollercoaster winter that brought us a few heavy snowstorms and bitterly cold temperatures. We’re ready for warmer days and greener lawns ― though hopefully Mother Nature is going to do the heavy lifting in April: Spring rains should provide the water your lawn needs to look thick, healthy and green.
As irrigation system owners prepare for the weeks ahead, check with your service provider for cost-saving tips to tune up your system and efficiently schedule your irrigation to begin a few weeks into the season. While it’s tempting to turn on your system or sprinklers sooner rather than later, your lawn (and our water supply) will thank you for waiting longer.
Most of Iowa’s lawns are Kentucky bluegrass, a cool-season grass that is now waking up as soil temperatures rise. Overwatering any grass can lead to shallow roots and more weeds. Typically, during the spring there is little demand for irrigation ― especially right now as grass is mostly dormant and doesn’t require care. This means lawn irrigation systems can stay off for a few more weeks.
During the summertime, many people want to water their grass daily. They truly do not need to. This practice significantly increases water demand at the exact time our system is under the greatest pressure. You can still have a nice, green lawn if you water your grass two or three times a week, early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and less evaporation happens. We recommend using even/odd schedules, and avoiding doing any watering when your lawn isn’t showing signs of stress.
Let me also take a moment to address a question on the minds of many: Will Central Iowa Water Works, where I am board chair, need to issue another irrigation ban this summer? The answer is that we cannot be sure at this stage. But making a routine from smart irrigation practices is a good way to protect our region’s resources and save you some dollars on your utility bill.
Central Iowa Water Works remains committed to safeguarding our most critical resource and appreciates the support we’ve received to help us manage demand, treatment and quality. This includes turf and real estate professionals, Iowa Department of Agriculture, Polk County Health Department, Iowa State University and many, many others ― especially residents. Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach webpage has terrific irrigation tips. You can also find more tips and helpful information at CIWW.gov and CIWW’s Facebook page.
Our region will greatly benefit from smarter practices to support future planning and water demand as central Iowa continues to grow. Using the practical, easy tips noted above will go a long way in helping us reach a better future together.
Jody Smith is the chairman of Central Iowa Water Works Board of Trustees, the regional authority responsible for the treatment of drinking water, serving more than 600,000 people living in central Iowa. Smith spent his career in city operations and management, including more than 25 years with the city of West Des Moines.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How to water your lawn to save money and reduce water demand | Opinion
Reporting by Jody Smith, Guest columnist / Des Moines Register
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