Beat the Peak

Facts and Tips to Reduce Water Use During Peak Season

BEAT THE PEAK!

Summer’s rising temperatures often coincide with rising water use. “Peak” water use describes the time of year when residential water use is at its highest due to an increase in outdoor water use, usually from late July through early August, depending on the region. In most areas, the amount of water homeowners use to keep their lawns green or fill their backyard pools will spike during this season—to the tune of about four times as much water or more than they usually use the rest of the year!

SIMPLE TIPS FOR SAVING WATER OUTDOORS

• Step on it: Grass doesn’t always need water just because it’s hot out. Step on the lawn, and if the grass springs back, then it doesn’t need water. An inexpensive soil moisture sensor can also show the amount of moisture at the plant’s roots and discourage over watering.
• Time it right: It’s best to water lawns and landscapes in the early morning and late evening because significant amounts of water can be lost due to evaporation at other times of day. Check with your local utility to find out what times are best for your region.
• Tune up your system: Inspect irrigation systems and check for leaks and broken or clogged sprinkler heads. Fix sprinkler heads that are broken or spraying on the street or driveway.
• Play zone defense: Assign areas of your landscape different zones depending on sun/shade exposure, soil and plant types, and type of sprinklers, then adjust your irrigation system or watering schedule based on those zones.
• Give your hose a break: Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing them off. And don’t forget to check for leaks at your spigot connection and tighten as necessary.
• Leave it long:  Raise your lawn mower blade. Longer grass promotes deeper root growth, resulting in a more drought resistant lawn, reduced evaporation, and fewer weeds.

FAST FACTS

• In most states, residential water use reaches its peak from late July through early August due to increased outdoor water use, but peaks can occur throughout the summer. During peak water use season, homeowners typically use two to four times more than in winter.
• The average American home uses about 260 gallons of water per day; during peak season, homes can use about 1,000 gallons of water in a day. Some homes use as much as 3,000 gallons on a peak day, or the equivalent of leaving garden hose running for nearly 8 hours!
• When temperatures rise and rain is scarce, peak water use in single-family homes typically occurs due to lawn and garden watering or when topping off a swimming pool.
• Experts estimate that 50 percent of the water we use outdoors goes to waste from evaporation or runoff due to over watering.
• With the exception of extreme heat waves, peak use typically occurs on weekends as many people use their free time to tend to lawns and landscapes, do laundry, and wash cars.

For more information on peak water use, click the banner above to visit www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor.