During your homeowner association's peak water demand season, there are several conservation techniques that will help you do the job a whole lot better.

Compost, mulch, barkdust and landscape/weed fabric help retain water instead of letting the sun or wind evaporate it away. With a more steady water supply, plants grow deeper roots, reducing how much and how often sprinkling and fertilizing is needed. If your planting beds are bare dirt, consider adding one of these water conservation amendments to promote root growth, reduce water consumption and reduce weed infestation. Also, leave grass clippings to build up mulched soil that uses less water.

Wash your plants

Airborne urban pollution can leave a layer of residue on plants and soil that inhibits water absorption. One easy way to counteract this is by spraying the planting beds and turf down using a hose end sprayer filled with inexpensive liquid dishwashing soap. As strange as it sounds, it actually breaks up the residue and reduces water tension, allowing better water absorption.

Sprinkler Tune-Up

Adjust all your sprinkler heads to irrigate living things, not walks and driveways. Replace leaky faucets and broken sprinkler heads. Water turf areas about 1" a week or as recommended for local conditions.

Sprinkler Enhancements

Install a rain sensor to override the automatic sprinkling system when it rains. Where possible, install drip irrigation systems to trees, shrubs and flowers. Gets water directly where it's needed. If you are using hoses to irrigate, install hose timers to control the flow.

Xeriscape

This is a landscape technique which leads to creative, attractive landscaping and a diversity of seasonal colors and textures while reducing outdoor water use by 30 to 50 percent. Nurseries carry numerous trees, shrubs, perennials and ground covers which are low water-using and drought tolerant. Visit them and ask for suggestions.

Wildflower Extravaganza

A typical landscape can be up to 90 percent Kentucky bluegrass lawn. Bluegrass requires 25 to 30 inches of water each growing season. Confine lawn to high traffic areas. Instead, wildflowers and native grasses make excellent lawn substitutes, especially in large open spaces and low use areas. Planting a variety of plants with different heights, colors and textures creates interest and beauty.

Watering wisely creates a healthier landscape and reduces one of the community's most costly budget items. This is one area where your investment will pay BIG dividends. Water on!...rather, water off!

For more on this subject, see www.regenesis.net.

Published: August 23, 2000

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .