Summer will be here before you know it. And for Denver residents, this means bracing for those long hot days. Your garden and landscaping will need extra water to make up for the rain we don’t get and that increased demand can take a major toll on your water bill. No one likes shelling out hundreds of dollars each summer just to cover one of their basic utilities, but there are things you can do to keep costs as low as possible. Your trusted Denver sprinkler installation team shares a few water-saving tips to keep your bills low and affordable in spite of the heat.

Water Early in the Morning and Late in the Evening
Summer heat makes water evaporate off plants and out of the soil quickly. And when the sun is shining, the evaporation happens even faster. This means you’ll need to run your sprinklers for longer if you water during the warmest part of the day. Instead, set your timers for early morning or late evening watering sessions. This way, the soil and the air will be nice and cool. This allows the water to soak into the roots and the soil rather than evaporating in the sunlight in a matter of minutes. As an added bonus, it reduces the risk of scorching on your plants so your landscaping will look even better for months to come.

Take Shorter Showers
The average person uses about 17.2 gallons of water every time they shower. With a large family, that can put a lot of strain on your water bill. Instead of using the shower as a chance to relax, start taking shorter showers. Shaving off just a minute or two per person per shower can save you tons on your water bill month after month. If you want to make the most of your water usage, stick a bucket beneath the spray while you wait for the water to warm up. After you shower, you can use this water for everything from watering houseplants to mopping the floors!

Keep a Pitcher of Water in the Fridge
No one likes drinking warm water in the middle of the summer. And, sure, the tap will eventually cool down after you run it for a minute or so. But letting that water run is like watching cash go straight down the drain. Instead of waiting for the tap to cool down before filling your drinking glass, keep a pitcher of water in the fridge and refill it every time you use it up. This way, you’ll always have cold water to help you beat the heat.

Let the Laundry Pile Up
Laundry day is a major chore and it might seem easier when you take care of small loads throughout the week. But doing so wastes a ton of water. Instead, let the laundry pile up until you’re ready to run a full load. Your machine can handle the job and you’ll use less water (and electricity) each week. Over the course of the year, this can result in a hefty savings and will slash your water bill month after month. 

Start Mowing the Right Way
Grass grows quickly and the shorter you cut it, the longer you can go between mowing sessions, right? The truth is, while it may save you time on lawn maintenance, it makes your lawn use far more water than it should. The shorter the grass is, the more soil is exposed to the sun and heat. This means any moisture in the turf evaporates more quickly. Leaving your lawn just a bit on the longer side may mean you’ll be mowing every week. But it also means you’ll be able to water your lawn less. Longer grass shades the soil and helps keep it moist. This can help cut down on your water usage all summer long.

Schedule a Sprinkler System Inspection
Before summer is in full swing, schedule a sprinkler system inspection with your maintenance service. During the inspection, they’ll check the entire sprinkler system, looking for leaks and damage in the lines and sprinkler heads. Remember, even small leaks can waste gallons of water each week and the sooner they’re fixed, the better off your water bill will be. 

The inspection is also the perfect opportunity to check the timers and computer system for accuracy. The more accurate your system is, the easier it will be to maximize your watering routine. With the right system in place, you won’t even have to think about your landscaping. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy your yard and all its new growth with the knowledge that your system is using the least amount of water necessary. 

Forget Washing Your Car in the Driveway
Washing a car is a classic weekend activity. But when you do it yourself in your driveway, all those gallons you use to get rid of dust and grime are included in your utility bill. If you have more than one car or wash them once a week like clockwork, that can increase your bill by hundreds of dollars over the course of the summer. Instead, head to a nearby carwash. Carwashes are affordable, thorough, and leave your car sparkling like-new. 

Not only will you have a pristinely clean car, but you also won’t have to worry about increasing your water bill. As an added bonus, you’ll keep your landscaping in better condition. Soaps and cleaning agents can damage your lawn and landscaping quickly. The less it’s exposed to harsh chemicals, the better your lawn will look and the more money you’ll save on landscaping services.

 High water bills can take the fun out of summer. But if you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your water usage under control and lower your bills month after month. The best place to start is to schedule an inspection with Water Solutions Sprinkler Service as soon as possible. The sooner you fix minor issues, the better off your lawn and your landscaping will be for the summer months ahead.