In Southern California, it doesn’t take long for lawns and gardens to turn brown during the summer unless sprinkler systems are used wisely. 

• The City of Alhambra does not restrict water use. However, residents are encouraged to water their properties throughout the hot summer months using prudent watering techniques, such as following alternate day watering schedules or reducing the amount of watering.
   
• Residents who consume high amounts of water will be notified to investigate and/or repair the problem. If someone is deliberately wasting water, they will be notified to cease immediately. Residents are often not aware that they have a sprinkler line break (or a leaky toilet), which are the major causes of water waste. The City Utilities Department is committed to careful resource management and planning for the future, and is working towards regional long-term solutions to solving water-related issues.
   
• Water your yard in the morning or evening for 10 minutes to avoid the strong heat of the sun that accelerates evaporation.
   
• Reduce sprinkler use during the rainy season and consider using native and drought-tolerant plants in your garden to reduce outdoor water consumption.
   
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
   
• Do not water plants unless they need it. When a plant shows signs of wilting (especially in the morning), or when you dig down several inches near the base of the plant and it is bone dry, that’s your cue to water. 
   
• Deep soak each time you water. Watering deeply and infrequently creates a healthy root system that can better withstand heat and drought.
   
• Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use.
   
• Use watering cans, whenever possible, especially when watering just a few patio plants. Watering with a hose may actually put more water on the patio than in the containers as you move from plant to plant. 
   
• Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save water. 
   
• Weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.  
   
• Attend a smart gardening workshop to learn ways to use less water and energy and waste fewer resources. Visit www.smartgardening.com and take an online class at your leisure. Free mini- and in-depth tutorials are also offered on topics such as irrigation systems, watering and fertilizing, basic landscape design and plant identification. For more information, visit www.bewaterwise.com. 
   

NOTE: Please report sites where water is being wasted to waterwatcher@cityofalhambra.org. (The site is monitored by the City's Utilities Department.)

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