Local weather data combined with plant water needs are used to develop a general watering guide to assist the community with scheduling their sprinklers throughout the summer months. Questions? Contact Water Conservation at conserve@ashland.or.us.
Be Winter Wise – Winterize Your Irrigation System!
Fall is officially here. The daylight hours are getting shorter, and plants are going dormant for the winter season. The summer watering season has come to an end and now it’s time to prepare your irrigation system for winter temperatures. The best way to protect your irrigation investment from potential freeze damage over the winter is to “winterize” all system components. This process involves removing water from pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads before freezing occurs. Follow these basic steps to assist you in winterizing your irrigation system.
Shut off water to your sprinkler system. This can typically be done at the backflow prevention device.
Turn on each of the sprinkler valves to release the pressure in the pipes.
Drain sprinkler components as much as possible. Remove the cap and riser from the highest and lowest sprinkler in each irrigation zone to help water drain out.
Some systems are equipped to be blown out with compressed air. Contact an irrigation professional who offers this service.
After purging the system of all water, leave all the valve ports on your backflow preventer half open. Make sure to close them when you turn the system back on in the spring.
Turn your sprinkler controller to the off position.
In addition, any above ground piping, backflow preventers and valves need to be insulated. Disconnect garden hoses and place insulation caps on hose bibs.
Properly preparing your system for the winter can be far less costly than repairing damaged equipment in the spring. Consider contacting an irrigation professional to assist you with winterizing your system. If you have any questions or would like more information on the City’s water conservation programs, please call 541-774-2436 or visit our website at www.ashlandsaveswater.org.
Did You Know?
The City of Ashland is still giving away free showerheads and faucet aerators. Just call the Public Works office at 541-488-5587 to schedule a time to pick them up.
Also, be sure to take advantage of the toilet rebate. Get up to $75 when replacing an older toilet with a new high efficiency one. You can find more information at www.ashland.or.us/rebates.
Remember, even small fixture changes can make a big difference in how much water we use. So, why not take advantage of this opportunity and take that little step to save water and money today!