LOUDOUN WATER
ON TAP
www.loudounwater.org 44865 Loudoun Water Way Ashburn, VA 20147
JULY/AUGUST 2016
JULY IS SMART IRRIGATION MONTH No matter how big or small your yard is, it is easy to be water smart – in July and yearround. Most homeowners overwater their yard, unintentionally wasting money every time they take out the hose or turn on the automated sprinklers. July is traditionally the month for peak water use due to demand for water for lawns, gardens and landscapes in Loudoun County. To raise awareness of the benefits of efficient watering practices, the Irrigation Association has named July Smart Irrigation Month. By selecting and planting carefully, watering wisely, and maintaining and upgrading automated irrigation systems, homeowners can save water, save money and see better results. Mid-Atlantic gardening provides a unique challenge with early springs and late winters. Below are a few tips for cutting down excess water use without putting your garden or lawn at risk – no matter what you’re growing. Invest in a rain barrel: These barrels collect rainfall which can be used to water plants. Watering times: Water plants before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. Tending your garden: Weeds can wreck havoc on a garden by drawing away moisture. Add layers of pebbles or chipped bark.
EVEN
NUMBERED ADDRESSES
ODD
NUMBERED ADDRESSES
Water only on Thursday and Sunday
Water only on Wednesday and Saturday
RECOMMENDED
WATERING
SCHEDULE
RAIN GAUGES AVAILABLE Most established lawns and gardens in Loudoun County only need about 3/4 to 1 inch of water per week to stay healthy. The best and easiest way to determine how much time it takes for your sprinkler to deliver that much water is by using a rain gauge. Loudoun Water provides rain gauges upon request. Visit our Administration building in Ashburn to pick one up for free! Don’t have time to stop by? Take an empty tuna can that has been cleaned thoroughly and place it in your yard.
EVAPORATION AND WATERING Irrigation systems can lose a lot of water through evaporation, runoff and overwatering. Typically, the most water, as much as 30 to 50 percent, is lost to evaporation! Watering during the hottest part of the day only increases the chances of this occurring. To reduce wasting water, Loudoun Water suggests watering before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. Watering during these suggested times helps to avoid excess evaporation. Give your yard vthe chance to absorb water before the sun is at its hottest.
YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IMPOSTERS There have been reports from neighboring water utilities regarding individuals impersonating utility staff by calling to offer discounts or asking for entrance to homes. It is important to protect yourself and your personal information from imposters. Authorities believe scammers are trying to gain access to credit card information. If you receive a questionable call, do not give any personal information and hang up immediately. If you note the phone number on caller ID before hanging up, call the local police immediately and report it.
Loudoun Water would never call offering unsolicited discounts or ask for home access without a scheduled appointment. If you are uncomfortable or suspicious, please call our Customer Relations department at 571-291-7880 and they will verify if our field team is working in your area or if they recently called you. Our regular business hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We do not make routine residential visits or calls outside of business hours unless previously arranged or in case of an emergency.
SIGN UP FOR LW CONNECT Join over 16,000 of your neighbors who have already signed up to manage their accounts online through LW Connect. After registering, you can view your bill online, enroll in auto-debit, sign up for e-Billing, see your payment history and more! Go to www.loudounwater.org and click the LW Connect logo to get started.
UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday, July 14 Loudoun Water Board Meeting Saturday, July 16 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event at Lovettsville Elementary School Thursday, August 11 Loudoun Water Board Meeting Cancelled
STAY CONNECTED #loudounwater
WATER QUALITY REPORTS AVAILABLE What’s in your water? Annual drinking water quality reports are available on our website at www.loudounwater.org.