Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

Although I have not washed my car in some time, I would like to have it washed soon.  With the current water restrictions, I am not sure if I can wash it myself.  Do you know if I can wash my car myself and what I may need to make sure I don’t use too much water?  
Sincerely, 
Water-Saving Car Owner 

A: Dear Water-Saving Car Owner, 
Thank you for reaching out and asking for help with your car washing situation.  Due to the drought, car owners are asked to cut back their car washes, but if your car must be washed, there are two tips to help save water.  To save the most amount of water, either have your car washed at a car wash that uses recycled water, or wash it with a bucket, sponge and hose with a shut-off nozzle, which is now required for home garden hoses.  This can save you 8-18 gallons per minute. For more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org. 

Best of luck to you and your water-saving car washes, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I have noticed that I need to refill my pool and spa more frequently.  My family and I do not use it too much so I’m assuming it’s from evaporation.  As the summer heats up, I would like to invest in a pool and spa cover to reduce the amount of water that evaporates, but I am worried about the cost.  Do the gallons of water saved outweigh the initial cost of buying a cover?  
Sincerely, 
Pool Water Preserver

A: Dear Pool Water Preserver, 
I am glad you are considering the purchase of a pool and spa cover.  During the summer, water in pools and spas can be lost to evaporation. This evaporation rate may be higher in southern California, where temperatures can reach triple digits.  With a cover, however, you can reduce the evaporation rate by 30 – 90 %, depending on the quality of the pool cover.  Yearly, a pool and spa cover can save the average homeowner 4,844 to 7,161 gallons of water.  To learn more water-saving tips, visit www.ieua.org. 

Good luck with your pool and spa cover purchase, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

I have noticed what appears to be hard water stains on my driveway and sidewalk.  With the recent requirement to eliminate water runoff from homes, I am concerned that this may be caused by runoff from my sprinklers, but I’m not sure since I water my lawn in the early morning hours.  What can I do to stop this runoff and ensure the water is being used for my landscape?  
Sincerely, 
Runoff Worrier

A: Dear Runoff Worrier, 
Thank you for being aware of your runoff problem and wanting to fix it.  When your sprinklers run, walk on the edge of your property to see if there is indeed runoff.  Once you have confirmed the runoff problem, you can change your watering schedule to eliminate it.  One of the best solutions to combat runoff is splitting your 15 minute watering sessions into two, 5-8 minute spurts of watering sessions 30-45 minutes apart.  This allows the water to infiltrate into the soil, thereby eliminating the runoff.  To learn more outdoor watering tips, visit www.ieua.org.

Best of luck in fixing your runoff problem and saving your water for your landscape, 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Advice from Owlie

Q: Dear Owlie, 

My irrigation controller broke and I am looking to replace it with a newer model.  I have heard there are new models that can help me save water.  What type of controller do you recommend to help me save water?  
Sincerely, 
Water Conscious Consumer

A: Dear Water Conscious Consumer, 

Thank you for your interest in using a water-saving irrigation controller.  A great water-saving irrigation controller is called a weather based “smart” irrigation controller.  These irrigation controllers water landscapes based on the local weather and soil conditions, therefore adapting to the needs of the plants in your landscape.  A weather based “smart” irrigation controller can save you up to 8,800 gallons a year.  Learn more about irrigation controllers at www.ieua.org.

Good luck to you and your water-saving efforts, 
Owlie