Even though it's autumn and average residential water usage is down, now is still a great time to think about your daily water consumption and what you can do around the home to conserve.

Here are some tips to save water around the house this season:

• Make sure your irrigation system is drained and shut off now that we are into the rainy season. Plants, lawns, and gardens generally don't need supplemental water in the fall as the sun’s intensity decreases and there are less daylight hours.
• Now is a great time to plant water efficient perennials, shrubs and trees for next year’s enjoyment. Our long rainy season helps establish strong plant roots without supplemental water. Plant bulbs for beautiful spring color!
• Mulch, mulch, mulch! Fall is a great time to mulch your landscape because it can help protect your beds from winter erosion, add nutrients to the soil, and keep unwanted weeds from growing. In addition, many of us have mulch material readily on hand (fallen leaves!).
• Make a commitment to water conservation inside the home by checking for leaky toilets and faucets. Just one slow drip can lead to hundreds of gallons wasted over the course of a year.

Check out the free water conservation devices the Portland Water Bureau customers can order at our website -- www.portlandonline.com/water/conservation

Sabrina Litton

Water Conservation Assistant Program Specialist

E-mail