As November brings cooler temperatures to our Valley, it’s the perfect time to adjust your irrigation schedule and cut back on outdoor water use. With shorter days and cooler weather, lawns and landscaping need much less water than during the hot summer months.
Lawns with conventional spray sprinklers generally need only four minutes of watering per day in November. In December, that drops to just three minutes per watering day, five days a week. Watering recommendations vary depending on your sprinkler system, so be sure to check the guide for your landscape’s needs.
If your soil doesn’t absorb water quickly, try dividing your watering time into shorter sessions with breaks in between. This method allows water to penetrate the soil more effectively while preventing wasteful runoff onto sidewalks and streets.
Not sure how much to water each month? Download the cvwatercounts.com/irrigation-guide to help you adjust your sprinkler schedule throughout the year.
For an even easier way to conserve, consider installing a weather-based smart irrigation controller that automatically adjusts watering based on weather conditions. Check with your local water agency for available rebates at cvwatercounts.com/rebates.
And remember, when rain is in the forecast, turn off your sprinklers and keep them off for at least 48 hours after measurable rainfall, or longer if the ground is still wet.
A simple seasonal adjustment can save thousands of gallons of water over time. By watering less during the cooler months, you can maintain a healthy landscape, lower your water bill and help protect our Valley’s precious water resources.
