
Water Management and Conservation Resources
Eighty percent of the water used by people in California goes to just 0.8 percent of the state’s gross domestic product by Peter Coy. The New York Times: Opinion (Sept 8, 2021)
“The Water Smart Generation: Love Your Water – Use It Wisely” Presentation by Julie Smitherman, Water Resources Coordinator, Medford Water Commission (May 25, 2021)
Action Items
- Fix leaks!
- Plug up drip emitters that are not watering plants.
- Schedule a sprinkler evaluation – Medford, Ashland
- Do not water everyday – Water deeply every other day.
- Lower the pressure – Too much pressure on sprinklers can use more water than needed.
- Water some areas by hand or by manual function instead of using the automatic system.
- Catch excess water in a bucket.
- Use graywater for trees.
- Use a soil moisture meter- test to see if there is still enough moisture left in the soil.
- Dry spots – add another emitter or fix sprinkler – don’t run entire system longer.
- Remove lawn and plant climate appropriate plants.
- Make regular adjustments to sprinklers.
- Amend Soil – retains moisture and reduces evaporation.
- Mulch with groundcover or compost – make sure you are also being firewise!
- Read your meter – determine how much water used when doing certain tasks.
- Support upgrades to water system supply infrastructure to improve efficiency and resiliency long-term.
- Make changes to landscaping and irrigation practices.
- Upgrade indoor fixtures and appliances.
- Change perspective – How much water do we really need?
- Less water use– reduces carbon footprint at home and utility.
- Use less water without diminishing quality of life – It can be done!
- Understand the water system – Value your water – LOVE YOUR WATER
Resources
Ashland
- www.ashlandsaveswater.org Information on rebates for Ashland residents as well as the following:
Graywater & Rainwater Catchment
Tree Watering Guide
Surviving Drought
Stream and Wetland Enhancement
Street Tree Guide
Native Plants Guide
Fire Resistant Landscaping
- www.ashland.or.us/weather
- www.ashland.or.us/graywater
- Love Your Water: Greywater reuse Presented May 3, 2019 to PNWS-AWWA Conference Vancouver, WA
Medford
- www.medfordwater.org
- Infoline 541-774-2460