“The current dry and warm weather pattern, which is expected to last for at least another week, has resulted in unusually high demand,” said Chris Graziano, Suez vice president and general manager. “Voluntary conservation will help us preserve our water supplies and should help reduce the potential for mandatory restrictions.”
Lawn irrigation and outdoor watering can increase system demands by as much as 50 percent. The average lawn requires only one inch of water per week to stay green.
The request, for both businesses and homeowners, is not a routine move for the company who said they looked at the current forecast, in addition to upcoming predictions.
"The recent weather has been very dry and demand has been unusually high. These forces coupled with a very dry forecast were the factors that convinced us to make the public request for voluntary conservation," said Bill Madden, spokesman for Suez.
Here are some conservation tips:
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clear debris from sidewalks.
- Set your lawn mower one notch higher. Longer grass allows less evaporation.
- Sprinkle the lawn, not the pavement.
- Water the lawn only when needed, and between 7 and 10 p.m.
- Make sure your hose has a shut-off nozzle.
- Cover your pool to reduce evaporation.
- Wash your car with soap and water from a bucket.
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