Conservation Reminder
The City of Cape May Water/Sewer Utility requests that each customer become aware of The City’s "Required Water Conservation Ordinance" No. 1025-94. The primary components of this ordinance are as follows:
Watering Restrictions:
- Outdoor watering of lawns, plants and gardens is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. from May 15 through September 15.
- Watering shall be permitted before 10:00A.M. and after 6:00P.M. West of Madison Avenue on odd numbered days.
- Watering shall be permitted before 10:00A.M. and after 6:00P.M East of Madison Avenue on even numbered days.
- No outdoor watering shall be permitted at any time on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays from May 15 through September 15.
- No car washing shall be permitted at any time on Saturdays, Sundays or Federal Holidays from May 15 through September 15.
- Washing of sidewalks and driveways by hose is prohibited except in emergencies or circumstances approved in advance by the Superintendent.
- All automatic irrigation or sprinkler systems shall have rain sensor devices or switches to override the automatic irrigation or sprinkler cycle when adequate rainfall has occurred. Any system without a rain sensor device is in violation.
- Automatic shut-off nozzles shall be used on hoses for all washing outdoors (vehicles, boats, windows, etc.).
Morning is the best to water most lawns areas…
and the earlier the better.
As the sun rises so does the mercury. After about 10a.m. heat steals moisture from your lawn through evaporation. When you water EARLY, you can water LESS because more of the water is absorbed into your lawn. You save time and money when you water at daybreak.
Don’t drizzle
A light sprinkling is the LEAST EFFECTIVE method of watering. In fact, it can damage your lawn. A good soaking gets to the "root" of the problem by encouraging deep, solid root growth. Lawns without deep root growth are less drought resistant and more prone to winter kill.
Watering during the heat of the day can actually harm your lawn.
"Scald" or "burn" damage occurs when hot sunlight hits water droplets that cling to leaves. The tiny droplets imitate powerful, miniature magnifying glasses.
At night, cool, moist conditions create an ideal environment for lawn disease to develop. Grass blades watered in the morning dry off quickly, making it harder for disease habitat to flourish.
Water ONLY when your Lawn needs it.
You don’t have to water on a set schedule. Water only when the grass or plants show signs of needing it. To test whether or not your lawn needs a soaking, step on the grass. If it springs back up, you don’t need to water. If it stays flat, it’s time to water again. In the morning. The earlier the better.
THE PROBLEM IS THE TAP IS FLOWING TOO FREELY!
Some Water Statistics
- Taking a shower (5 gallons per minute) 30-50 gal
- Flushing the toilet (once) 4-7 gallons for conventional, 1.6 gallons for low flow
- Brushing teeth 1 gallons
- Washing clothes 30-50 gallons
- Washing dishes with dishwasher - 16 gallons, washing by hand - 25 gallons
- Washing the car 5-8 gallons per minute
- Lawn sprinkler (2 hrs) 660 gallons
Daily indoor, water use
- 75 % flows through the bathroom
- 20 % in the kitchen and laundry
- 5 % in cooking and drinking
Small changes can mean big reductions in water use, and energy costs
Bathroom Water Saving Tips
- Install low flow shower-heads.
- Take shorter showers.
- Showers use less water and energy than tub baths.
- Check your toilet for leaks. Put a little food coloring in the toilet tank and let it sit for 30 minutes. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately.
- Consider refitting high volume toilets with low water use toilets (1.6gal). The money you save on water/sewer bills will quickly pay for itself.
- Toilet dams made of plastic will reduce the amount of water used in each flush.
- Don’t let the water run while shaving, lathering face or hands, brushing your teeth.
