Continually committed to outstanding customer service along with supplying our customers with excellent, safe, affordable water for current and future generations.

Saving Money and Your Lawn

Did you know that the average suburban American lawn receives about 10,000 gallons of irrigated water (not rainwater) a year? That's about 30% of your total household usage. Much of this water is wasted through poor irrigation practices. By watering wisely, you can save money and enjoy a beautiful lawn.

Many new Elk Grove homes are preinstalled with sprinkler systems, complete with automatic irrigation controllers. Controllers are valuable tools in maintaining both a beautiful lawn and a reasonable water bill. Take the time to learn how to use this equipment to best advantage.

Controllers are usually first programmed by the home's landscaper, who sets it for the maximum benefit to a new lawn. After a few months, established lawns need much less water, so homeowners can easily save on water bills by adjusting the sprinkler systems. In fact, allowing your lawn to "stress" between waterings encourages root growth and a healthier lawn.

Tips for Using your Controller Wisely

• Set your timer to irrigate for shorter periods but more often. This reduces runoff, so your water goes where you want it to...into the ground, not onto your pavement.
• Learn how to use all of the features of your automatic irrigation controller, including the rain sensor and time adjustments.
• For best water pressure and little evaporation, water between the hours of midnight and 5 AM and between 8 AM and 10 AM.
• Maintain your sprinkler heads and valves and check your system regularly. Don't mix different types of sprinkler heads. Different products will irrigate at different rates and you'll end up with uneven results.
• Request a free water audit from the Elk Grove Water District, 685-3556. The certified irrigation auditor can help you determine the best irrigation schedule for your lawn's needs.