With the warmer weather, sprinklers are being turned back on to keep lawns and gardens green. Here are a few tips to keep in mind with conserving water during the hot summer months.

Quick tips on how to effectively water your lawn:

1. Early morning hours are the best time to water your lawn, between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. The air is cooler and water won’t evaporate as fast as it does in afternoon. Watering in the evening and night can cause water to cling to the grass blades which creates the potential for lawn diseases and fungus to grow.

2. For those who do not have automatic sprinklers, the best alternative is using a pulsating, revolving sprinkler. This type of sprinkler shoots out horizontally at a higher velocity and not as vulnerable to wind. However, for new grass (seed) an oscillating sprinkler is most effective. An oscillating sprinkler is softer when it lands and isn’t so strong that it will push the grass seed.

3. Water a maximum of twice per week. Too much watering can cause fungus to grow as well as a shallow root system. Fewer watering allow roots to grow deeper. Two day per week watering schedule is now in effect for Ceres residents. Odd numbered residences can water on Wednesdays and Sundays. Even numbered homes on Tuesdays and Saturdays. No watering is permitted between the hours of 12 noon to 7 p.m.; nor is outdoor watering permitted on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays in Ceres.

4. If your sprinklers are not on an automatic timer, be sure to use a timer when watering to remind yourself to turn off the sprinklers. Invest in a timer or use the timer on your cell phone.

To report water wasters, please call the Public Works office at (209) 538-5732 or submit through https://savewater.ca.gov/

Other water rules for the City of Ceres include:

• Washing down or hosing of sidewalks, gutters and outside structures without permission of the Municipal Services Department is prohibited. Sweeping or brushing is the best option.

• Outdoor watering that causes excessive runoff is not permitted and puts the homeowner at risk of getting a citation for water wasting;

• Washing of vehicles at a residence is allowed only if a positive shut-off valve (nozzle) is used, in proper operating condition and is limited to one washing per week.

For questions about water conservation, contact the Ceres water division at 209-538-5732 or visit the city’s website at www.ci.ceres.ca.us 

(Editor's note: On May 29 the Courier published erroneous information regarding when residents are not allowed to water outdoors. The no outdoor watering hours are 12 noon to 7 p.m. and not 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. as we mistakenly reported. We apologize for the error and any consternation it may have caused residents and city staff.)