PRESS RELEASES - DECEMBER 2006

Arlington Landscape Water Conservation Program Becomes Year Round
Outdoor Watering is Nixed Everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

December 8, 2006

The City of Arlington water conservation program for lawns and landscapes becomes a year-round ordinance, beginning December 23.

Except for hand watering and soaker hoses, it is unlawful for any person to irrigate or water, or cause the irrigation or watering of any lawn or landscape between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. any day of the week. Until now, the ordinance limited outdoor watering during the hottest time of the year, from June through September.

Arlington becomes the first city in the North Texas region to include a year-round 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ordinance in its landscape water conservation program.

“With our extended growing season and usually mild winters, outside watering is common throughout the year,” said Arlington Water Utilities Director Julie Hunt. “Watering during the cooler parts of the day saves water and money for customers. When watering during the warmest part of the day, water is lost to evaporation.”

The Water Utilities Director said the city’s more aggressive water conservation program is part of a regional effort to help plan for Arlington’s future water supply needs and meet the requirements of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Water Development Board.

Through compliance with the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ordinance this past summer, Arlington was able to reduce peak water demands.

“We appreciate our customers’ cooperation in these efforts,” Hunt said.

Do Not Water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

By limiting the time of day for watering landscapes, lawns and gardens, residents can water during cooler and more humid parts of the day when sunshine and temperatures are less likely to cause water evaporation, said Assistant Director Travis Andrews.

“When watering in the early morning or late evening, more water will go to the grass, plants and trees,“ he said. “Less water will be lost to evaporation. Healthy lawns and plants require about one inch of water every two to three weeks during winter months.”

The Water Utilities Department also recommends drought-tolerant plants, flowers, shrubs and grasses that thrive in the Texas sun.

The Arlington City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance that not only conserves water, but also requires rain and freeze sensors. The sensors keep sprinkler systems from operating during icy weather conditions and during or immediately after rainfall. Sensors are required on all residential irrigation sprinkler systems installed on or after January 1, 2007.

By March 4, 2007, all commercial and apartment irrigation systems in the city must be equipped with rain and freeze sensors, regardless of their age.

Public Education and Compliance

The City of Arlington will use several methods to check for and promote compliance with new water conservation ordinances, including public education campaigns throughout the year. Citations could be issued when compliance is not achieved. Last summer, the Code Enforcement Division responded to 481 reported ordinance violations. The City issues citations to repeat offenders. A citation can result in a fine up to $500.

For more information about the water conservation ordinance and tips for using water wisely, visit www.SaveArlingtonWater.com or call Arlington Water Utilities at 817-275-5931. For additional information, visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency.

Save Arlington Water: Consider a Low Water Use Landscape

Native plants, trees, and grasses are beautiful, drought tolerant and have lower water requirements. Visit www.txsmartscape.com to plan a low water use landscape.

Inspect Your Water Sprinkler

• Are your sprinklers spraying water on the street or sidewalk?
• Are there obstructions to prevent water from reaching desired areas?
• Check for leaks and breaks.
• Inspect your sprinkler heads to make sure none are missing, broken, clogged or pushed too far into the ground or spraying in the wrong direction.
• Install a rain and freeze sensor to ensure that your sprinkler system does not operate during or immediately after rainfall, or during freezing weather.

Water Conservation in the Home

• In the bathroom, turn the water off while brushing your teeth and shaving.
• When cleaning the driveway, patio or desk, use a broom instead of a water hose.
• While washing the automobile, use a sponge and bucket. Place a nozzle on the hose to stop the flow of water between rinses.
• When not in use, cover the pool or hot tub to prevent water evaporation.