Last summer Mother Nature brought many days of rain to Long Island. Water usage was at an unusually low level during the peak-pumping months of May through September, keeping the District’s infrastructure from being overworked. We can’t predict the weather for this summer, yet we can offer the following tips on what you can do to help with water conservation this season.

IRRIGATION TIPS

Flowers are blooming, the days are longer and Long Islanders are ready for warmer weather and all the greenery this time of year brings. While we strive to keep our lawns and landscapes beautiful and lush, we ask to follow these helpful conservation tips pertaining to lawn irrigation:

• Test each zone for leaks and have your irrigation system reviewed and tested by a professional.
• If you spring a leak or find a busted line, don’t hesitate to fix it.
• Turn the system on during the day to see what you’re watering. Concrete, pavers and asphalt don’t require water.
• Check all your sprinkler heads and replace any cracked, chipped or worn components.

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY GARDEN

Saving water and using it wisely helps Long Island’s sole source aquifer and will result in a hardy garden. For you gardeners out there, here are some helpful recommendations for you to consider:

• Choose groundcovers that require less watering such as lavender, daylilies, marigolds and zinnias.
• Install a spring-loaded shutoff nozzle on each garden hose.
• Start a compost pile and add it to your garden. Mix in some wood chips or peat moss to boost water retention.
• A slow-drip irrigation system will help avoid over-watering and save money on your water bill.
• Water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. for best retention results.
• Keep the length of your lawn approximately 2 inches long to help reduce evaporation and use less water.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn to retain water and help your grass grow thicker.

EyeOnWater® APP – MONITORING YOUR WATER USAGE

SFWD has implemented and installed state-of-the-art water meters throughout the District. These new water meters are extremely accurate and precise in reading water usage, and consumers can now monitor their own water consumption.

Simply download the EyeOnWater® App through the Apple App Store or Google Play

and set up a user profile on your phone, mobile device or desktop. Once a user profile is setup, you can monitor your water usage hourly, daily, weekly – monitor for potential leaks, and save money on your water bills. Be sure to protect your equipment. If the cellular end point attached to your home is broken or damaged, please call the District for a replacement.