Quick. What’s one of the simplest, most effective tools to help keep a healthy lawn this summer?

While you’re thinking this question over, let’s talk about the good news. The major drought that had us all wondering if and when we could comfortably water our lawns is on the downswing. However, whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived in Colorado a long time, being permanently aware of water use is a big responsibility for everyone who enjoys the Art of Outdoor Living.

According to Travis Thompson, Denver Water Spokesperson, Colorado is considered a dry state, and it is up to all of us to be living within water-wise constraints.

“Our customers did a really good job last year,” said Travis. “We reached our conservation goals which put us in a better position to keep providing a healthy water supply to everyone. We just want to remember that conservation isn’t an emergency drought response, but a way of life for anyone who lives here.”

Therefore, beginning May first and lasting through the fall, water use rules will still be in force. What this means is that you should water your lawn no more than two to three times per week, and never between the hottest hours of the day. The hottest hours are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

“Right now, a lot of people are seeing their lawns turning green. They become anxious to help nurture that green lush look and run outside to water,” said Travis. “This is understandable, but not a good idea.” He explained that overwatering plants like grass and turf just makes the plants “lazy.” They have no need to extend roots lower in the ground in search of water, so they sit there and let homeowners find the water for them. Travis recommends you not do this. When the plants become dependent on homeowners in this way, you invite trouble and a need to water more and more frequently to keep your yard looking good.

“Right now, you only need to water in a week when we don’t have one or more inches of rain,” he said. “In fact, because the Denver area is subject to a wide array of moisture conditions, try to become more aware of the lack of watering you need to do. Right now, you probably don’t need to water more than once, maybe twice a week. It is in July, when we have the higher temperatures and less moisture, that you might consider watering three times a week.”

Travis said that Denver Water would be sending out teams of Water Savers into the community again. No, they are not water police who ticket every infraction of the rules, but people whose job it is to educate and help homeowners review ways to save water when they can.

“Some of the most common causes of water waste,” said Travis, “happen after storms, when people have power outages. They forget to check the timers on their sprinklers and end up watering in the worst part of the day, often without knowing it. The other common problems revolve around broken sprinkler heads, or heads that accidentally get moved around by being run over with lawnmowers. Then the homeowner starts watering the streets and sidewalks instead of their lawn. Our Water Savers help bring attention to the problem, and help find solutions.”

Asked if the water department actually tickets abusive homeowners, Travis chuckled and said, “Not often. We have a tiered rate structure that makes a person pay more if they use more. And if someone is reported several times, we have penalties like suspending service if need be, but most people are good to work with, and will cooperate with our requests.”

Stepping back, Travis talked a little about xeriscaping as a part of conserving water. “You don’t need to rip out your lawn in one step. It’s not a sustainable practice in our area. But what you can do, is take a walk around your property and look for opportunities to cut back on lawn area.”

Travis said that people should have a good area to play with children or pets, but in some areas that aren’t used, or particularly that are sloped and difficult to keep grass on already, some xeriscaping might be a good alternative.

“In my own yard,” said Travis, “We had a sloped area that never looked good. Then we made a plan, and built a xeriscape garden there, over the course of two or three years. Now it’s a beautiful garden full of water-wise plants.”

Denver Water has a lot of great ideas to help you save water this summer. With 1.3 million customers, you know every saved drop helps. You’ll find some tips in your regular water bill and newsletter, or check out the Denver Water website to help with all sorts of water-wise practices. And Denver Water even has a page just for youngsters, so the whole family can get in the fun and importance of using our natural resources wisely.

Oh! And that lawn health tool? It’s a screwdriver. Push one into the ground every time you think you may want to water, pull it out and check whether the business end of the tool is moist. If it is, neglect your lawn one more day. The grass will thank you for it.

(Photo by Todd Morris)