Aquatera has released a few tips for residents to save money on their water bills during the summer.
As the weather continues to heat up, Aquatera customers are encouraged to get “water-wise” when landscaping and irrigating their lawns. According to the utility supplier, residents can take a few simple steps to conserve water including regular lawn aeration and using mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.
Additionally, property owners can consider growing lawns to 2.5 inches as taller grass can shade new growth and reduce evaporation.
According to Aquatera, most evaporation on lawns and in gardens occurs due to simply watering at the wrong time. As a result, officials suggest watering in the morning between the hours of 4:00 and 10:00 a.m. while the sun is still low, and temperatures are still cool. Aquatera says watering mid-day can result in a loss of up to 30% of water due to evaporation.
Collecting rainwater tends to be overlooked as a sustainable water source that can save customers a significant amount of money, especially during the record-breaking heat spells Grande Prairie has experienced this summer. Aquatera recommends gardeners use recycled water for small plant boxes or even use a bucket to gather water from the shower while waiting for the temperature to adjust.
Other water conservation tips include regular inspection of faucets to avoid leaks, creating a watering schedule, and only watering when needed.