I, probably like many of you, was worried that I would not be able to afford to water my lawn and flowers in the Summer. Now that we have metered water and will be charged if we use more than 10,000 cubic feet in a month.
I contacted April Garcia, Surfside Water Plant Operator, and asked her for the figures on my water use for July. She sent me an easy to read listing of my water use each month starting in 06/09/2016 through 08/01/2018. My readings were consistent each of the three years with my highest readings during July and August, which are my highest water use months due to lawn and flower watering. My high months averaged slightly over 1,000 cubic feet during those months. Far below the charge for exceeding 10,000 cubic feet. During the off season watering months, I averaged around 200 cubic feet per month. I am a one person household. No matter the number in my household, the same amount of water would be used for lawn and plant watering.
The "high water users" run form 3,000 to over 10,000 cf per month, even in the off season. These are due mostly to leaks. A year ago I was notified of a potential water leak and my usage spiked up to 2,800 cf. I found that I had a leaking hose bib, which I repaired. It was so slight, that I had not noticed it. The new meters, being able to detect the smallest leaks, can really save on water use and potential water damage.
You can contact April Garcia and she will provide you with a report on your water consumption. I have asked her for additional information on average household water use. I want to further compare my use to others. I am confident that I will find my water use much lower than the average, even with my outdoor watering. April is such a nice person and so helpful.
The Point Is:
We can afford to water our lawns, gardens and plants. BUT, it has to be done in a responsible way.
Lawn Watering:
You only water when needed. About an inch a week in dry weather. Automatic water systems can waste water. Raise your lawn mower cutting blade in late Spring. Taller grass provides shade to the roots and soil. Your lawn will require less watering. Scalping will kill the grass in the Summer and once done, it is almost impossible to bring it back to green. However, all is not lost as the Fall rains will green it back up.
Lawn mowing:
Mow at the lowest cutting level in the Spring and rake out the moss. It will look awful for about ten days but quickly recover with new grass. Sometimes if needed I apply moss killer after the scalping.
Raise the cutting blade in Summer. Sharp blades will make a clean cut without dead ends.
Fertilizing:
Weed & Feed in the Spring when the weeds start to actively grow. Here is the secret to success with weed and feed. A damp Spring morning is perfect time because the weed killer will stick to the weed foliage. Do not water for two days. A healthy lawn requires less watering.
The only other fertilizer I use is "Miracle Grow" I use it on new plants and potted containers.
I compost all my plants when they die back in the fall. All my weeds go into the compost bin. Over the years I have built up the soil with light rich composted soil.
Most of my flower and shrubs are watered by hand when needed. You do not see me wasting water by just letting the sprinkler run all day.
Final Note:
I know that many of our members are part time and don't have the time or opportunity to water and care for landscaping. This is a case where even dead grass can look neater if mowed. I also know that not everyone has an interest in gardening. My main point of all of this is.....
We have lots of water and you can water your lawn and plants. I think we can all agree that a green lawn and flowers and shrubs sure look better than dead grass.
Here are a couple of pictures of my green place, all done on a budget and without wasting water.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
12 comments:
Very nice. I like your plants and your yard George. Your home shows that who ever lives there takes pride in their appearance. There a lot of hard work that goes into keeping it nice. I agree with you that the 10K gallons of water is a high amount to use
Drive through Surfside. The well cared for and attractive places like George's home are a minority. The prevalence of lots with fire dangerous dried grasses and unmaintained trees makes Surfside a generally hazardous and unattractive community. The covenants should be fully enforced to encourage better care of the properties in this HOA. We can do better folks.
Love George’s place. But again, this is not n never will be Portland etc. no sidewalks, streetlights, or sewer system. This is a retirement / vacation community. That mix is the root of all our problems. Accept Surfside for what it is. As the infamous quote goes, “ if you can’t accept it, move.”
I've driven throughout Surfside and I find our community attractive. You can tell the full time resistance from the part timers, but overall it's what it is. A multi-use community. Yes there are a few ugly, but most aren't. We have several lots that don't even have a water hook-up for Pete's sake.
IT IS WHAT IT IS!
The 10,000 is cubic feet, not gallons. I was also confused about this because the chart I got shows the number as consumption. April was nice enough to explain this to me. So, the numbers are higher if converted to gallons. Perhaps there should be a change in the reporting to avoid confusion. At this time, I still am not sure how my use compares to other people. Like I said, I think my use is low, but can't back that up with real statistics.
I see the mix of retirement/vacation property as a plus for everyone. The problem seems to be in fair treatment of everyone. Build out is something desired by realtors and builders. I think most of us would prefer that a vacant lot next door, remain vacant. There are those who would rather see a home built next door rather than an RV. I understand that position, especially if there have been problems. Better compliance and enforcement may be the best compromise for everyone.
Gorgeous, George. Just gorgeous!
I got the answer to my question from April.
I was concerned that I was using to much water. She confirms my thoughts that we can have a nice green space without wasting water. Thanks April.
George,
Average water consumption (indoor use only) according to the USGS is 100 gallons per person per day (400 cubic feet per person per month).
The EPA says average use is 200 gallons per person per day, plus another 100 gallons per person a day for irrigation (1200 cubic feet per month per person).
Using either figure, your water use is WELL below average.
1 cubic foot of water equals to 7.48 gallons
I always enjoy passing by George's home. It represents the perfect retirement. I would just offer that my experience was one pass with the Weed and Feed and the birds were gone. Did you have the same experience?
Weed and Feed does not kill birds. Did you read the instructions for use of the product?
With the drought conditions, I fear wildfire because we have so many uninformed campers and unattended campfires. All too often, the campers go to bed with the campfire still smoldering or leave to make a quick trip to the stores in Ocean Park or walk on the beach. It takes only one puff of wind to send sparks into nearby dry grasses. We keep our water hoses at the ready for possible fire fighting. We could need more water than our system can produce in the event of wildfire.
Huh, amazed we all not a pile of ashes year after year. Quit living in fear n enjoy where u live.
Right! When I consider the real threats other parts of the country deal with, it is a great pleasure to get my hose ready and cut the weeds down, just in case. Firewise is great. I think you choose your threat depending on where you live. You can't stop a tornado, but you can get your hose ready and cut the weeds. Better deal.
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