OKC residents reminded to follow watering schedules as summer approaches

Even though it has been unseasonably cool and somewhat drier in Oklahoma City this spring, rest assured that as the days inch closer to summer, daytime temperatures will begin their steady climb and rainfall will pick up. Mother Nature, it seems, always balances herself out!

As summer approaches and the days get hotter and longer, it might be a good idea to remember  Oklahoma City has a mandatory odd-even watering schedule in place for residents who water their lawns. This permanent watering schedule, which the City of Oklahoma City implemented in 2013, directs customers with an address ending in an odd number to use sprinklers on odd-numbered days. Likewise, customers with even-numbered addresses can use sprinklers on even-numbered days. This schedule is designed so the City can meet the demands placed on the system throughout the entire year, but especially during the summer months when temperatures can exceed 100 degrees.

Officials say about a third of residential water used in the summer is for watering outdoors. Some of that water is oftentimes wasted, particularly when residents forget they were watering and then discover later that a large amount of water ended up down the street and in the nearest gutter or ditch as runoff.

To avoid unfortunate incidences like those described above, the City of Oklahoma City provides some helpful tips to residents that, if followed properly, will help conserve water and prevent higher water bills in the future:

• Periodically conduct a system check-up to make sure there are no broken or misaligned sprinklers heads.
• Perform a pressure check so that the sprinkler heads are spraying the right amount of water and at the intended location.
• Make sure you know how much water your lawn requires per week. Depending on the type of grass you have, with Bermudagrass being the most common, you might not need to water as much.
• Avoid watering during the peak heating times of the day when water can quickly evaporate. Instead, try watering during the early morning hours when it is cooler.
• Try to avoid water runoff that can carry fertilizers and pesticides down the street and into the City’s storm water system, which drains right into our local creeks and streams.
• Consider installing a “smart” irrigation controller, which can adjust watering schedules by monitoring soil moisture levels and local weather conditions.

If you have any questions about the watering schedule or need further guidance, please visit the City of Oklahoma City website or call (405) 297-2833.