Lincoln residents are being asked to cut back on outdoor water use as unusually hot and dry weather is expected this year. Lincoln Transportation and Utilities says more than half of the city’s daily water supply on hot summer days goes toward lawn and landscape irrigation, and much of that water is wasted through overwatering, evaporation, and leaking sprinkler systems.
“Customers are encouraged to conserve their outdoor water use where they can,” says Lincoln Water System Manager Tim Zach. “One way residents can do their part is by taking their sprinkler systems off the automatic function and instead turn the sprinklers on only when needed. You can maintain a healthy lawn by watering just once or twice per week.”
He also recommends watering during the early morning hours, avoiding watering on windy days, and mowing grass higher to help retain soil moisture. Residents are also encouraged to aerate lawns, sharpen mower blades, and consider using rain barrels or drought-friendly landscaping.
Lincoln’s water supply comes from wells near the Platte River. The Lower Platte River Drought Consortium is warning of warmer temperatures and below-normal precipitation through July and is encouraging conservation efforts across the region.