Salina residents’ watering schedule, and citizens not adhering to it, was a topic of concern at the city council meeting held Wednesday, April 8. “It goes without saying that there’s a water shortage throughout the state, and things are critical in our area,” said Councilman Randy Christiansen. “We need to get everyone on board with what we’re facing.” The mayor and council reiterated the watering schedule for residents; watering days for those with odd addresses are Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and those with even addresses are permitted to water Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. No one is allowed to water on Mondays, and watering is allowed once each assigned day with a maximum of 30 minutes per area. No watering is allowed on Mondays or during the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. any day.
There was much discussion regarding those who do not adhere to the watering schedule and Mayor Brent Beach said those who violate the policy are essentially stealing water from their neighbors.
“It’s no different than the farmer taking his neighbor’s water turn,” said Beach. “It’s scary how little water we have, and it’s imperative our citizens get on board with this schedule.”
Offenders will first receive a warning, then citations will be issued with a fine of $25-$1000.
“We know everyone wants their yard to look pretty and green, I do too, but this isn’t the year for it,” said Beach. “We don’t have the water.
Redmond and Aurora residents aren’t exempt from being asked to preserve water, and use prudence in maintaining their yards this year, and James Alvey at IFA suggested several tips for helping keep the grass green and healthy while conserving water.
“I live in Aurora, and started watering the other night,” he said. “The water just pooled on top of the soil, it was just so dry.”
He recommended a local product produced by Diamond K in Richfield called Aqua Drive, which was formulated to help Utah soil absorb and hold moisture.
“It helps your soil become a sponge,” he said. “It can be used on your lawns and landscaping as well as in your flower bends and garden. We use it here with our potted plants and it really helps them grow. For years like this year, when we’re really low on moisture, I’d apply it now, then at least once a month, maybe every other month, throughout the season.”
Alvey demonstrated the use of the product on a soil puck, and the absorption on the treated puck was significantly increased compared to the puck that was just poured water on. The entire demonstration is on salinasun.online.
“It’s pretty inexpensive and comes with a hose end ready to use, or you can buy it in the gallon jug,” he said. “We also recommend applying humate or gypsum as soil conditioners, which will help with the soil’s ability to hold water and the grass’s ability to use the water.”
He cautioned about the overuse of gypsum, however, but the humate is an extended release additive.
In addition, Alvey said most people overwater- most people don’t need to water as often as they do- in fact, two times a week is plenty, and infrequent deep waterings are most effective. Watering in the heat of the day is a waste of water, as a percentage of it evaporates, and he also recommended mowing on the highest or second level which will help keep the soil moist longer.
“Another tip is to get some fertilizer on your lawn,” he said. “A good fertilizer every 4-6 weeks will help, but I do think everyone needs to remember, this isn’t the year for a golf course quality lawn. That’s not going to happen this year with the water situation, but there are a few things we can do while conserving water to help keep our lawns looking good.”
