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SEASONAL
TIPS
THESE TIPS WILL HELP YOU TO SAVE MONEY AS WELL AS
WATER!
Warm Weather Tips
Conservation efforts are still necessary, despite
the fact that the Water District joined the MWRA recently to purchase
supplemental water. This additional water will help the District to
maintain fire protection during high water use times. Please follow
the tips below to help maintain a water supply adequate to meet our health
and safety needs.
1. Lawn watering should be limited to two days
per week. If you live in Dedham, you should limit watering to
Mondays and Thursdays. If you live in Westwood, you should limit
watering to Tuesdays and Fridays. One inch of water a week,
including rainfall, is adequate. You can use a rain guage or
simply put out a tuna can to measure the amount of water from sprinkling
or rainfall. Over watering actually promotes a less healthy
landscape.
2. Set your lawn mower to two to three inches for
the healthiest lawn. Use native grasses for local conditions -
fescues do well in New England. Fertilize during the cooler months
of spring and fall.
3. Use soaker hoses wherever possible. They
are especially effective near shrubs and trees and prevent excessive
evaporation.
4. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, add
a moisture sensor. There are many inexpensive models available.
This will prevent the waste and expense of water when it is not needed.
Make sure the sprinkler heads are aimed at landscaped areas only.
5. Water during the morning and evening hours to
prevent evaporation which is increased during the hottest part of the day.
6. Consider alternatives to water dependent lawns
when planning your landscaped areas. Groundcovers and mulch can
lower the need for watering. Test your soils to see if they are able
to hold moisture well. Adding compost and peat will help to retain
water while improving plant growth.
Cold Weather Tips
The DWWD would like to remind you of the following:
1. Patch cracks and holes in doors, windows and walls
to prevent cold
air from reaching your pipes.
2. Turn off all outside faucets and drain the pipes.
Bring garden hoses inside.
3. Insulate any pipes and faucets in unheated areas.
Wrap insulation around pipes in crawl spaces, garages and basements.
4. Never use an open flame to thaw frozen pipes. A
hairdryer, set on low, can be waved slowly along frozen pipes. If the pipe
has already cracked it will leak as the ice thaws. Be prepared for this.
You may have to shut off the master valve where the water comes into your
home.
5. Do not leave a home unheated for an extended period
of time unless you drain your pipes. Turning off the main valve will not
prevent water already in the pipes from freezing. Have a friend or
relative check your home while you are away.
IMPORTANT -
For accurate meter readings and the safety of District
employees, please keep the walkways to meter reading devices clear of ice
and snow. Otherwise, your account will be estimated. If you have a fire
hydrant in front of your home, never pile snow around it when you are
shoveling or plowing. Clearing a space around the hydrant would be
appreciated by your fire department.
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