A few simple measures can save many gallons of water

If you've ever sighed in frustration at seeing water running down the gutters, you'll be delighted to know that July has been designated Smart Irrigation Month by the Irrigation Association.
We are told that Americans use nearly 408 billion gallons of water per day, and that 50 to 70 percent of that is used outdoors for watering lawns and gardens. And, says the Irrigation Association, most folks are sending their watering dollars, as well as their water, down the drain. That's the reason for the campaign to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation in the lawn and garden.
Technological advances in home-watering systems are making it easier than ever to preserve our water resources and save money at the same time. "Smart" watering systems, from computer-assisted programmers to inexpensive drip-watering kits are now available. There are also simple, but expedient, ways to handle the problem.
Mulch flower and vegetable beds, for instance. Use 3 to 5 inches of organic mulch - compost, decomposed leaves, fir bark, even lawn clippings will help retain moisture, prevent evaporation, and keep down weeds. With lawn clippings, add a little each time you mow, rather than piling up a thick layer all at once. The clippings pack together, excluding air and resulting in a smelly, slimy mess.
Consider installing drip irrigation systems around shrubs, trees, hanging baskets, flower and vegetable plantings. Drip irrigation systems use 50 percent less water than conventional sprinklers and they are more efficient because they deliver the water slowly and directly to each plant.
If you already have a home irrigation system, make sure you are getting the most efficiency from your timer. New technology makes it easier than ever to program and monitor your watering needs.
Consider upgrading your timer. Automatic, programmable timers save more water than mechanical models. Also remember that it is better to water deeply but less frequently in order to keep moisture at the root level. If you notice that your sprinklers are delivering water to the gutters, it means that the ground is not absorbing all it should.
Turn off the sprinklers for awhile or use a special tool to remove plugs of soil so that the water will penetrate better.
With trees, deliver the water at the outer edge of the canopy, rather than up close to the trunk.
If you use a hose and portable sprinkler, invest in a hose-end timer to regulate watering time. With either portable or in-ground sprinklers, avoid watering during the heat of the day when much of the water will be lost to evaporation. Early morning is best, so that leaves can dry off quickly and avoid the possibility of mildew.
Don't fertilize during hot, dry weather, which can actually increase drought problems. When you do feed, use a slow release fertilizer and water it in well. It is often best to use only half the recommended amount and add it with twice the frequency.
Set the blade on your mower higher. Close-cropped grass requires more water, while longer blades shade the roots and conserve moisture.
You can recycle your grass clippings back into your lawn by using a mulching mower. This will not only conserve water, but also save you the time and effort of emptying the bag. And on hot summer days, that's a plus.
Don't do routine pruning in the summer if possible. Pruning stimulates new growth and that requires more water. Nip out dead branches and long scragglers, but leave the serious pruning to cooler weather.
And, finally, don't hose down sidewalks and driveways. Sweep them instead.
July may have been designated officially as Smart Irrigation Month, but these hints can apply all summer.
Helen Bale can be reached at htbale@infostations.com.