This summer, six cities in Georgia were chosen to participate in a pilot study for the waterSmart water conservation program - Albany, Augusta, Cobb County, Columbus, Dalton and Macon. This program teaches the public how to maintain healthy lawns and plants with five practical tips that are easy to implement at any budget level and under a variety of climate conditions.
 
Plants need 1 inch of water every 7 to 10 days to stay healthy.
 
Try these 5 to help them thrive!
 
1. Water only once a week.
When it hasn’t rained, a deep soaking every week will provide your plants with plenty of moisture.
 
2. Soak, don’t sprinkle.
When you water, aim the nozzle at the base of plants so more water will reach the roots.
 
3. Don’t water in the heat of the day.
You will only lose water to evaporation. If you have an automatic system, set it to come on in the early morning hours between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m.
 
4. Turn off sprinkler systems when it rains.
Install an inexpensive rain sensor shut-off switch.
 
5. Mulch!
Using pine straw, bark chips or ground hardwood mulch on the roots of plants and trees helps the soil retain water.
 
For more information, go to www.ConserveWaterGeorgia.net.