Green Grass Clean Water

Spring time is here! The sounds of the season are all around – birds twittering, crickets chirping and …. lawn mowers roaring.

Did you know that you can protect water quality while caring for your lawn? Residential lawns can be a significant source of nonpoint source pollution if cared for incorrectly. Excess pesticides or fertilizers can run off into nearby streams.

Here are some tips to care for your lawn naturally and protect our precious water.

Fertilizing

• Substitute natural compost for prepared fertilizers. A soil test can tell you exactly which nutrients your lawn lacks.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn to provide nitrogen.
• If you do choose to apply a fertilizer, read the directions carefully and apply the recommended amount.

• Minimize pesticide use by planting native plants that are more resistant to area bugs. In addition, native plants are often more drought resistant and need less fertilizers.
• When applying pesticides, make sure you only apply the least amount needed, and not before a heavy rain, when it will run off.

• Set your mower blade 2-3 inches high. Longer blades of grass help control weeds and conserve water naturally.
• Keep mower blades sharp so they don’t tear the grass and make it vulnerable to disease.

• Water in the early morning hours to prevent water loss from evaporation.
• Water slowly, allowing water to be properly absorbed. For the most efficient watering, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system.
• Watering once a week for several hours is the best method for a healthy lawn.

Remember Clean Water Matters to Us All!

Water Conservation

Conserving water actually helps with pollution issues. Water is not created; it is recycled. If each household in the Upper Etowah watershed reduces their water consumption by just a little bit, then less water will be taken from the rivers, streams and lakes. Adequate water flow protects habitat and ensures all of us will have enough water to use.

So, how can you reduce the water used in your house?

• Try to limited showers to 5 minutes.
• Teach your children to turn off the spigot while brushing their teeth (or, listen to your children when they try to teach you!).
• Consider installing a rainbarrel under your downspouts. This collects the water running off of your roof. Then you can use it water your lawn or garden. Some rainbarrels come with drip irrigation systems that can be buried under a landscaped area.
• Sweep your driveway off rather than using a hose to wash off debris.
• Frequently check your plumbing system and any outdoor irrigation system for leaks. A leaking toilet wastes lots of water and money!
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded.