Live WaterSmart by Turning off Irrigation Systems after Rainstorm
September 21, 2016
Storms drawing moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Paine have delivered enough rain across San Diego County that irrigation systems should be turned off for at least 48 hours after the rain stops.
By letting Mother Nature take care of the outdoor watering, residents and businesses are helping the region make the most of our water supplies while also complying with state water-use regulations that prohibit irrigating landscapes during measurable rainfall and for 48 hours afterward.
This week’s storm has delivered nearly a half-inch of rain to Lindbergh Field, most of which fell from mid-Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Some areas around the county received significantly more rain, though the current water year (Oct. 2015-Sept. 2016) has been drier than average countywide.
“Outdoor watering accounts for more than half of a typical household’s water use in California,” said Dana Friehauf, water resources manager for the San Diego County Water Authority. “Following the simple rule to turn off irrigation systems during and after rainstorms is one of the easiest ways to Live WaterSmart.”
In July, the Water Authority launched its Live WaterSmart outreach and education campaign to promote water-efficient practices no matter the weather. For water saving resources, go to WaterSmartSD.org.