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curbs on water lifted

Stafford lifts water restrictions

By Kafia Hosh

Date published: 3/19/2008

After several months of mandatory water cutbacks, Stafford County residents can begin sprinkling their lawns.

County officials lifted the restrictions yesterday, just in time for spring.

The Abel Lake and Smith Lake reservoirs are both full. However, the weather forecast remains relatively dry, so Stafford officials are still encouraging residents to make voluntary cutbacks.

"We're heading into the summer months so we need to be cautious," said County Administrator Anthony Romanello.

County officials suggest residents take part in a watering plan where customers at odd-numbered addresses water on odd-numbered days, and those at even-numbered addresses water on even-numbered days.

"Don't turn your sprinklers on every day, but maybe every other day," Romanello said. "Domestic water use is not what's causing us the problems. It's the sprinklers."

Romanello last reduced water restrictions on Feb. 19, which allowed for outdoor watering with a 3-gallon or smaller bucket, or with a hose with an automatic shut-off valve.

The county plans to launch an awareness program about using water judiciously, according to Stafford spokeswoman Cathy Riddle.

Stafford officials will promote water conservation ideas on the county Web site, flyers and other literature.

"Water conservation is a good environmental practice," Riddle said.

Kafia Hosh: 540/735-1977
Email: khosh@freelancestar.com

Stafford county officials recommend the following practices to help conserve water: OUTSIDE Water early. An average lawn needs only 1-inch of water once per week. Thatch and aerate your lawn for better water filtration. Use mulch/compost for trees, plants and shrubbery. Water longer but less frequently. Use soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system for flower and plant beds. Use more efficient sprinklers that provide large drops of water close to the ground. Install an automatic sprinkler timer on an outdoor faucet. Plant with water-efficient landscaping and use mulch. Organic mulches (aged manure, compost, bark or wood chips) cover and cool soil, minimizing evaporation. Sweep outside with a broom, not a hose. Five minutes of hosing uses up to 25 gallons of water. Always use a shut-off nozzle on your hose when washing vehicles or watering plants. INSIDE Fix leaky faucets, pipes, toilets, etc. Install water-saving devices in faucets, toilets and appliances. Wash only full loads of laundry and run only full loads in the dishwasher. Do not use the toilet for trash disposal. Take shorter showers. Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth. ONLINE: Visit epa.gov/wa tersense/ for conservation ideas or call the Department of Utilities at 540/ 658-8616.

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Date published: 3/19/2008