April 28, 2022, update:
We would like to ask for your increased efforts to limit outdoor water use.
As of April 20, the City is seeing our typical residential winter water usage (~two million gallons/day) double, and usage jumped to five million gallons on April 24. As a comparison, in 2021 we did not hit a four million gallon usage mark until May 21, and did not incur a five million gallon usage day until June 8.
Please help conserve water by delaying turning on your outdoor sprinkler systems until late May, or preferably, early June. Leaving lawns dormant longer will not compromise the longevity of your turf, will conserve substantial amounts of water, and will save money on your utility bill. You can help the City conserve millions of gallons of water by delaying irrigation.
(posted April 12, 2022)
Please help conserve water by delaying turning on your outdoor sprinkler systems until late May, or preferably, early June. Leaving lawns dormant longer will not compromise the longevity of your turf, will conserve substantial amounts of water, and will save money on your utility bill.
Thank you Lafayette for your continued efforts to reduce water use by delaying turning on sprinkler systems. The community uses as much as five times more water per day in the summer due to outdoor irrigation. Delaying irrigation can save up to eight million gallons of water per day (the equivalent of over 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools!) and will save you money on your monthly water bill.
If I delay turning on my sprinkler system, will it damage my lawn?
Leaving lawns dormant longer will save water, and will not compromise the longevity of your lawn. April is too early to go automatic. Plan on programming your sprinkler system to start in late May or June. Hand water trees and plants as needed. Trees offer many benefits such as shade and habitat and are often greatly impacted by drought, so keep an eye on the health of your trees and water them when needed.
For tips on hand watering trees to keep them healthy while letting grass remain dormant and other water conservation tips visit lafayetteco.gov/WaterConservation.