Are you overwatering? Protecting Our Lake from your Backyard
Hayden Lake is shared by many people, for a variety of purposes. For some folks, it is a sole source of domestic water. It’s a renowned sport fishery. And it’s one of the most popular general recreation lakes in North Idaho. That’s why it’s important to remember that every drop of water wasted by poor irrigation practices could contribute to unhealthy lake levels. We are facing a continued, historic drought in Idaho. Inflows into Hayden Lake are diminished by low snow levels in the watershed. While the lake is now full, it will be particularly prone to lower water levels as the summer progresses. Add hotter temperatures over the summer months, and the importance of efficient watering becomes clear.
Over-watering isn’t just wasteful; it can negatively affect your lawn, creating shallow root systems and washing away the nutrients your landscape needs. Because Dalton Gardens Irrigation pulls directly from Hayden Lake, every excess gallon pumped robs precious water from the lake. Lower water levels promote lake weed growth and the continued rise of toxic algal blooms. Over-watering also leads to higher energy costs for your Irrigation District. Their electric bill increases with every gallon their pumps pull from the lake. Those costs can be passed on to you in the form of higher annual rates.
Are you watering too much?
Experts agree that your lawn needs only 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water per week, spread between two or three applications. This promotes deeper-rooted and healthier lawns than those watered more heavily and frequently. Watering at the right time during the day is important. Avoid watering during the hottest mid-day hours, as much of the water is lost to evaporation before it even reaches your grass. Don’t water too late in the day; allowing your grass to fully dry decreases the development of insects and disease. Pay attention to clues that you are watering too much or too little. It’s easy to test how much water your lawn receives during each watering cycle. These and a comprehensive collection of other lawn care tips are explained in an informative guide from the University of Idaho’s College of Agriculture. It’s well worth your time to read and It can be downloaded off the Dalton Gardens Irrigation District website.
Is your lawn getting the right amount of water?
Try the Screwdriver Test: If you can’t easily push a screwdriver 6 inches into your soil, it’s too dry. If the soil is muddy or smells sour, it’s over-saturated.
Use a sprinkler gauge or the “tuna can test”: Put tuna cans in various spots in your yard to measure how much water falls in those locations during a watering cycle. Adjust watering duration or sprinkler nozzle sizes accordingly. Inexpensive sprinkler gauges are also available from Amazon, Walmart or your local hardware store.
Check the Forecast: Idaho weather is unpredictable. If your controller has a rain delay feature, set it up and use it. Irrigating during periods of precipitation leads to over-watering. And remember that cooler temps during our “shoulder season” require significantly less water on your lawn than the hottest summer months. Program for shorter run times or water less frequently.
Watch the Slope: If water is running off your property and heading toward the street or your driveway, your soil has reached its "saturation point." Shorten your zone run times and use "cycle and soak" settings if your sprinkler controller allows it.
Why it Matters to Hayden Lake As residents of Dalton Gardens, your stewardship of the lake is vital. Because your irrigation water is supplied directly from the lake, it’s critically important that you irrigate efficiency make every gallon that you use from the lake really count. Be a partner in preserving the health and beauty of this invaluable asset to the people of North Idaho.
Use only the water you really need for a healthy lawn. Protect our water. Preserve the Lake. We are all in this together!
Brought to you by the Hayden Lake Watershed Association.