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Help protect Elk River's most valuable natural resource Elk R/vet is fortunate to have plenty of fresh, clean water. Our community uses 1,100,000 gallons of this precious resource each day. It enhances our health, our lifestyles and our economic well being. On a hot summer day this quantity increases to almost 5,500,000 gallons due to increased use for lawn sprinkling. At Elk River Municipal Utilities, it's our business to provide for your water needs. We take our responsibility seriously, but it's really a responsibility we all share. Although water is easily accessible - as easy as turning on a faucet - it is still a finite resource that shouldn't be wasted. You can help us take good care of Elk River's water supply by conscientiously managing your own water usage. In doing so, you'll contribute to a higher quality of life in Elk River - for your family and for future generations. Saving water saves energy Dvserving long-term water quality is just one reason to conserve. Saving energy is another. It takes a lot of power to pump water from the ground and transport it safely to your home. The water that flows freely through your pipes is actually a carefully processed product - and you pay for every drop, whether you use it wisely or not. Conserving water not only puts more money in your own pocketbook, it lowers demand throughout the communi- ty which helps keep the cost of producing water rnore affordable for everyone. Water your lawn wisely Lawn watering places a huge demand on the water supply in the summer. You can maintain a healthy; ~ green lawn witln minimal watering. by following these ~fidelines: Water early in the morning - between 4 a.rrL and 10 a.m. is best! Avoid watering later in the evening to prevent turfgrass diseases. Do not water during restricted times (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Watch the weather forecast to avoid watering in windy weather or before a rainfall. Adjust watering schedule to the season. Established lawns need little or no water- ing in the spring and fall. Requirements typically peak in June or July and begin tapering off in late August. Rule-of-thumb: I to 1.5 inches per week minus rainfall and keep intelYals between watering as long as possible to encourage deeper root growth. For sandy soils, apply 1/2"to 3/4"two times per week minus rainfall. Stop when soil is moist down to 5" depth, or use a rain gauge to measure the amount to add. Typical sprinklers wilt add one quarter h~ch per hour. Additional watering will simply drain below the root zone and leach minerals out of reach of the roots. Leave grass longer during hot weather (2.5 to 3.5 inches). It promotes deeper roots, shades growth crowns, and helps protect them from do'lng winds. For more information, go to www. extension.umn.edu More simple tips for saving water Don't run water continuously for food preparation and dish washing. %ke showers rathg~r than baths, and keep them short. Replace old shower heads with ,~,~ the new low-flow ones. Don't mn the water continuously while brushing your teeth or shaving. Fix leaky faucets and toilets - the smallest drip can waste 20 gallons per day. Use tine dishwasher and clothes washer only with full loads. And when purchas- ing new ones, specie, those that are specially designed to use less water. · Don't hose off driveways, walks and patios! Use a broom instead. · Use a sponge and bucket of water to wash the car. · Don't run tile tap to get cold water. Keep a bottle in the refl'igerator instead.