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Water 101

The Rancho Murieta Community Services District provides numerous opportunities to learn about projects and services provided within the Cosumnes River basin as well as about water in general. Educational resources available here include Water 101 and the Resource Library.

WHY be efficient

In California, droughts are a part of life, and climate change is making the swings between drought and flood more extreme.

·         As Californians, we all have an ongoing responsibility to do our part and to use water efficiently.

·         Rain or shine, let’s work together to make water efficiency a way of life and to stop water waste whenever and wherever it occurs.

 Efficient watering grows healthier plants.

·         Properly and efficiently watering your landscape will not only help you use water wisely, it will also keep your plants healthier.

·         They’ll get the right amount of water they need, and you’ll make sure every drop counts.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

In the Sacramento region, most of the water we use daily goes on lawns and landscaping, and about 30 percent of that is lost due to overwatering and evaporation.

  • There are lots of ways to save water at home, but using water efficiently outdoors can make the biggest difference of all.

Water your trees--efficiently.

·         Trees are one of the most water-efficient plants in the landscape when watered correctly.

·         During the dry summer months, they need extra water delivered slowly and deeply—water from lawn sprinklers is not enough.

·         Here’s how to correctly water mature trees:

o   Use a moisture meter or screwdriver to check soil moisture around the tree’s canopy. Stop by the Admin Office to get a free one! (While supplies last.)

o   If dry, set up a soaker hose, drip irrigation or hose sprinkler under the outermost reaches of the tree’s branches.

o   Soak the soil slowly around the entire canopy—six inches deep—but watch for runoff.

o   Add mulch in a donut shape to preserve moisture, keeping it away from the tree’s trunk.

o   Most mature trees need extra water once per month during the summer.