Water Rule W-8now in effect

through september 30, 2009

The DPU’s local Water Rule W-8 requires

that watering be done before 10 a.m and after 5 p.m. to avoid the high evaporaiton rates that

occur during the heat of the day. Also required is watering every other day according to your address. Odd addresses: Wed., Fri. & Sun. Even addresses on

Tues., Thurs. & Sat.

Waterwise Contributors

Matthew Dickens Los Alamos Dept of Public Utilities matthew.dickens @ lacnm.us, 662-8234 Carlos Valdez Los Alamos Cooperative Extension valdez@nmsu.edu662-2656 Editor: Allison Majure Los Alamos Dept of Public Utilities allison.majure@lacnm.us 662-8133

Ed. Note: After hundreds of local, Los Alamos County, home audits to assist homeowners in saving water, DPU’s Matthew Dickens has identified some of the most effective, economical and easy-to-use devices available today.

Spring is here and we’re getting busy in our yards., and busy shopping for our yards, When visiting a home improvement store, or an irrigation supply shop, you might consuder the following water conservation tools. These tools help to conserve water, minimize water waste, and improve your yard’s overall health and appearance. In this issue we recommend home irrigation tools and upgrades that will assist with each of those goals.

Recommended Home Irrigation Upgrades

Smart Controllers/Timers

Smart controllers have been in commercial practice for many years, but the equipment is being redesigned and marketed for homeowners and non-irrigation professionals. Advances allow customers to readily establish irrigation schedules that integrate plant water needs with historical weather data including local solar, temperature and moisture levels. Some controllers use programmed data while others receive information via satellite. The controller takes into account the weather data and automatically adjusts the irrigation run times, increasing efficiency while reducing overall outdoor water use. Results from an independent study suggest that the smart controller can save up to 30 percent more than

controllers lacking this programmed intelligence. In Los Alamos 30 percent of our water use is concentrated out-doors. A Smart Controller could allow a 9 percent savings on total water use.

Slow Stream Spray Heads

Slow stream spray heads/nozzles, such as the MP Rotator, allow home irrigators to increase their irrigation system’s distribution uniformity (DU*) to approximately 80 percent, compared to a standard DU of 65 percent. Additional benefits offered include a low application rate that reduces runoff on sloped turf areas and compacted soils. Slow stream spray heads/nozzles also work efficiently with low water pressures and operate multiple irrigation zones simultaneously. *Distribution Uniformity – For irrigation, DU measures how uniformly water is applied to a given area, expressed in percent.

Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation systems can nearly double irrigation efficiencies, by emitting water directly to the plant’s root zone, where the water is needed. A drip system, when properly designed and managed, efficiently maintains an optimal range of moisture in the soil because it applies water in a precise manner and reduces water waste caused by misting, overspray and runoff. Drip systems come in a variety of packages ranging from a more complex installation method, to those ready to use out of the box. Regardless, it is important to make sure that your new drip system is capable of fulfilling your irrigation needs.

Top Tools for Water Conservation By Matthew Dickens, DPU Conservation CoordinatorThis Issue

Top Tools for Water ConservationMaster GardenersPlant of the MonthNew Mexico’s Drought Outlook

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Plant of the Month, Sunrose Sunrose (Helianthemum nummularium) is a semi-woody perennial shrub that remains a garden favorite year after year. From the second week of May until the third week of June, this low-growing plant is covered with small flat blossoms. Varieties with many different flower colors are available. Once the blooms are gone, the mounds of leaves remain all year long. The silver- and gray-green-leaved varieties, in particular, look fresh and beautiful throughout the winter. At six to ten-inches high with an 18-inch spread, Helianthemum function well in many garden situations and once established, is exceptionally drought-tolerant, making it a perfect addition to the xeriscape garden. The same plant will also thrive in a partly-shady perennial border.New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Los Alamos County cooperate to fund the local Extension Office.

NM

Who are the Master Gardeners?All across the United States there are volunteer Master Gardener organizations that work with state university extension services and their communities to provide educational services to gardeners. Here in New Mexico the first program to be established was in Bernalillo County in 1981 by Jim Saiz. Training was also available to surrounding counties and later those counties established their own programs. Water efficiency and xeric plants are among the many areas of expertise provided. The Los Alamos County Extension agent for our local Master Gardeners organization is Carlos Valdez, (valdez@nmsu.edu ; 662-2656). Mr. Valdez can put you in touch with Los Alamos’ Master Gardening volunteers. Also available through the statewide Master Gardeners web site (www.nmmastergardeners.org) is an email “Questions Answered” service. Send your inquiry to: druthbronson@comcast.net

U.S. Drought Monitor

http://drought.unl.edu/dm

Intensity:D0 Abnormally Dry

D1 Drought - Moderate

D2 Drought - Severe

D3 Drought - Extreme

D4 Drought - Exceptional

Drought Conditions (Percent Area)

New Mexico

May 12, 2009Valid 7 a.m. EST

The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions.Local conditions may vary. See accompanying text summaryfor forecast statements.

Author: D. Miskus/M. Rosencrans/A. Artusa, CPC/NOAAReleased Thursday, May 14, 2009

None D0-D4 D1-D4 D2-D4 D3-D4 D4

Current

Last Week(05/05/2009 map)

3 Months Ago(02/17/2009 map)

Start ofCalendar Year(01/06/2009 map)

Start ofWater Year

(10/07/2008 map)

One Year Ago(05/13/2008 map)

26.9 73.1 50.0 6.9 0.0 0.0

70.7 29.3 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0

76.6 23.4 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0

49.6 50.4 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0

21.9 78.1 36.8 13.5 0.0 0.0

21.9 78.1 46.0 17.2 0.0 0.0