Winter here in San Antonio usually brings rain. This is when the Edwards Aquifer is recharged by all of the seasonal rain. No t this year - we're in the midst of an extreme drought - the worse one since the 1950's. Our Aquifer level is falling instead of rising or at least holding steady.
Did you know that we use 2,000 gallons of water every time we use our irrigation or sprinkler system? San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is asking that we try to reduce the amount of water we're using both inside and outside. With a combination of some winter rain and conservation of water, we can postpone the drought restrictions.
It's winter - our lawns and landscape plants don't need as much water as they do during the summer. If you have Bermuda or Zoysia grass in your lawn, they're dormant this time of year. Water your winter annuals, vegetables and plants newly planted this fall by hand as needed. If you continue to use you're your irrigation system, reduce the run time on the controller to about two minutes per station once per month.
Now is a good time to check or have your irrigation system checked for any maintenance issues. Take a walk around your yard and look for any unexpected wet spots. If you find any, it could indicate a leak in the system. Once you've walked around your yard, run each zone in the system and check for broken or blown spray heads. All spray heads should pop up when turned on; if some don't pop up - it might be because of low pressure in the system or a leak. While the system is running also check for misaligned sprinkler heads that are misdirecting the water. Water in the street would indicate some misaligned sprinkler heads. There shouldn't be any runoff in the street. This is prohibited by city ordinance and can result in a fine. If you're handy you can probably make the repairs and adjustments yourself - if not contact a licensed irrigation system contractor.
Remember, San Antonio has year-round watering restrictions. You can water using a sprinkler or irrigation system between 8:00 PM and 10:00 AM. Watering during the middle of the day is against the law, unless you're using a hand-held hose, bucket, or watering can. Violation of the water restrictions are subject to tickets and fines.
____________________________
When buying or selling a home in North East, North Central or North West San Antonio, TX, you deserve local expertise and advice. Judi Morgan provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers, corporate and military transferees in San Antonio, Stone Oak, Canyon Springs, Shavano and Shavano Park, Castle Hills, Rogers Ranch, Helotes, Sonoma Ranch, Alamo Ranch, Red Bird Ranch, The Dominion, Leon Valley and more.
Copyright 2008. Judi Morgan, All rights reserved.
Comments(8)