Beat the Peak 2008 Use a rain gauge to track weekly rainfall and let the rain naturally irrigate your landscape. Irrigate less, if at all, if rain is in the forecast. Water in the early morning or late evening hours. This will help save up to 50 percent of the water you use to irrigate from evaporation. Spread a layer of mulch to reduce evaporation and discourage weed growth. Add organic matter to the soil to improve soil structure and also enable plants to develop deep root systems that help them withstand drought. Chose a warm season grass so you irrigate less. Minimize turf area and expand or create natural areas to reduce your need to irrigate. Plant drought-tolerant or native species. Recipe 4 Success Measuring Cups
All Cary utility customers are subject to three year-round watering ordinances. Please note, that while residents are permitted to water three days a week according to the Alternate Day Watering ordinance, a healthy landscape may not require irrigating on all three days. Contact Srijana Guilford
Recipe 4 Success
Primarily due to the dramatic increase in irrigation, water consumption
during the summer reaches peak demands. In our continuing commitment to
preserve and protect our finite natural resources, we encourage you to
share your "recipes for success"--what you do to use water wisely--by emailing Caryrecipe4success@townofcary.org. Our conservation efforts
served us well during the drought of 2007-2008. Help us continue to build
the culture of conservation in Cary by sharing your indoor and outdoor
water saving tips.
WaterWise Options for Healthy Landscapes
Use a rain barrel (such as the one pictured from Rain Water Solutions Inc.) to harvest the rain, a free water resource, for use on your landscape. One inch of rain on a 1,000 square feet roof area equals about 625 gallons of water.
Use a soil probe or other instrument to check the soil moisture level and water only when the root zone is dry.
Utility customers in Cary who are served by Block Leaders will receive a
measuring cup as a promotional item to reinforce the Beat the Peak theme,
Recipe 4 Success. Citizens who are not served by a Block Leader can
receive a measuring cup by calling (919) 462-3872. Throughout the summer,
citizens will also see the theme on postcards and advertisements.
Conservation Education Specialist
(919) 462-3872
srijana.guilford@townofcary.org