Given the weather patterns of this past week, a lot of residents are wondering why the watering restrictions are needed.
First and foremost, a cooler May does not indicate a cooler summer with adequate precipitation.
Environment Canada estimates are indicating that this summer will most likely be above average (above 28 degrees as a daily high) in regards to temperature (see Environment Canada’s seasonal forecast online).
Additionally, we still live in the driest part of Canada so water conservation, no matter what the conditions are, should be a priority.
The main purpose of the watering restriction is to prevent daytime watering which is wasteful for two reasons. First, a good portion of the water used during the day is lost to evaporation, which requires users to water for longer to achieve the desired results. And secondly, during the day when the sun is at its highest in the sky the water droplets on your lawn act as a magnifying glass and burn the roots of your grass. Burnt grass leads a user to water more and it begins a vicious cycle of inefficient water use.
The hours designated for watering by the restrictions are the times where the majority of the water you use nourishes your grass and promotes deeper root growth. With deeper roots, your grass will retain water more effectively and should only require one to two watering per week to stay green and lively.