SAWS: WaterSaver Newsletter

Monday, June 29, 2009

SAWS Makes House Calls!
By Donna Fossum

A highly trained SAWS conservation consultant will check all of your water-using devices and appliances to identify any problems with leaks or waste.

If you're seeing higher than normal water bills, it could mean there's a problem on your property that needs attention. For example, you may have a leak inside or outside your home, or your high water bill may be caused by an irrigation controller that is not set properly. Whatever the reason, using more water than you need costs you money — money we'd like to help you save.

Our conservation team has been educating the community on how to save water for years. It's something we're passionate about. Just call us at 704-SAVE (704-7283) to schedule an appointment for a free Home & Irrigation Checkup on a day and time that's convenient to you.

A highly trained SAWS conservation consultant will check all of your water-using devices and appliances to identify any problems with leaks or waste. We'll also review your landscape with you, to make sure we understand your goals and needs. Based on what we learn, we'll create a customized estimate of the best watering amounts for your unique yard.

Having trouble with your plant material looking as good as you think it should during this drought period? Our consultants will also give you tips on how to get the most out of your landscape with as little water as possible. And, they can suggest what plant materials might be a good fit in your landscape.

Our consultants have years of plant, irrigation and plumbing experience, so you can be sure you're getting expert advice. For more information on any of our conservation programs, visit us on the Web.

Donna Fossum is a conservation planner for San Antonio Water System.

Last Digit of Street Address	Watering Day
0 or 1	Monday
2 or 3	Tuesday
4 or 5	Wednesday
6 or 7	Thursday
8 or 9	Friday
No watering on weekends with a sprinkler, soaker hose or irrigation system. Areas without a street address, such as medians and neighborhood entryways, water on Wednesday.

Watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler is allowed only once a week from 3-8 a.m. and 8-10 p.m. on your designated watering day as determined by your address.

More Stage Two rules

Monday, Jun. 29, 2009

0.5 in.	Bermuda (Full Sun)
0 in.	Buffalo (Full Sun)
0.75 in.	St. Augustine (Full Sun)
0.5 in.	St. Augustine (Shade)
0.75 in.	Zoysia (Full Sun)
0.5 in.	Zoysia (Shade)

Remarks:

Dry conditions continue. Use water judiciously to avoid further water restrictions. And remember, if you water with a sprinkler, do it only on your assigned day. Donna Fossum, SAWS Conservation Planner.

Will my plants survive this severe drought?

The vast majority of plants for sale in San Antonio are drought tolerant, meaning they can survive and grow with only four to nine irrigations a year. If you have planted and established correctly, there is no need to fear.

E-mail your question to GardenGeek@saws.org

Mighty Mites

Hot weather is the friend of spider mites, a prolific arachnid that sucks the life out of many plants. While they are seldom deadly, spider mites do disfigure and reduce plant photosynthesis. Currently, the most common miticide is a seaweed spray. Be sure to spray beneath the leaves and apply weekly.

Snakes Alive!

Along with the heat come snakes. Bull snakes are very common to this area, emerging from hibernation in June and July. These non-venomous reptiles are very beneficial to the area because they prey on mice, rats and other small mammals in your yard. The snakes are typically elusive so if you prefer to have them removed, contact a local pest management company.

WaterSaver Walk

July 3 10 a.m. - noon
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place

Stroll down WaterSaver Lane to see the cluster of cottages and colorful gardens whose blooms belie their thrifty ways with water. Designed to inspire you to create beautiful landscapes that conserve water, each cottage features a different architectural style and water-saving scene.

SAWS WaterSaver newsletter is published by San Antonio Water System. You have received this newsletter because you requested a subscription, asked to receive information from us, or have been identified by SAWS as someone who could benefit from this information.

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Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at conserve@saws.org