July 2012: Wasting water doesn't make cents

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Updated on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, 7:33 pm

Many Albany households double or triple their average monthly water use during summer months. The City of Albany offers some free programs and tips to help water customers avoid wasting water and money.

If you have a home or business in Albany and irrigate the lawn, you qualify for a free irrigation audit. Efficient irrigation can save money and water. You can sign up for a water audit here, or contact Kim Kagelaris, 541-791-0087 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Stop by the Public Works counter on the second floor of Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW, to get a free Outdoor Water Saving Kit.

Some other tips:

• Water lawns deeply but infrequently; two or three times a week is adequate.
• How much? For the Willamette Valley, one inch per week for grass or half an inch for established shrubs is plenty. Measure with the gauge in the water saving kit.
• Water in the early morning or evening to prevent losing water to evaporation.
• Use a broom instead of the hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Adjust sprinkler reach so they only water what will grow.
• Use a shut-off nozzle on the hose when you wash your car (get a free one at City Hall).
• Reduce the amount of thirsty lawn by replacing it with water-efficient plants. Visit the Albany Water Efficient garden at the Main Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE, to see examples of beautiful plants that need less water and maintenance than turf grass.

For more tips to save water, visit http://www.cityofalbany.net/departments/public-works/water-a-sewer-system/conserving-water-around-your-home.