Water Conservation & Restrictions

sprinkler

Water Conservation Ordinance

  • When: May 10 through September 10

Residential/Non-Residential Outdoor Water Uses

  • Days: Addresses ending in even numbers may water on even number calendar days.
  • Addresses ending in odd numbers may water on odd number calendar days.
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Newly Sodded & Seeded Lawns

A permit to water your lawn for newly sodded and seeded yards can be obtained by contacting the Public Works Department at the number below.

This permit:

  • Is good for 14 days
  • Allows you to water every day within the permitted hours
  • After the 14 days, normal restrictions apply

For information call 815-886-1870.


Lawn Watering Tips

  • Water your lawn in the morning or early evening when the least evaporation occurs.
  • Watering during the "heat" of the day may scald or burn your lawn. Tiny water droplets on grass leaves act as miniature magnifying glasses.
  • You can tell when it's time to water your lawn by stepping on it. If your footprints leave a long lasting imprint instead of bouncing back, it is time to water.
  • Do not water the pavement! Position sprinklers so that your lawn and garden receive all the water.
  • Do not drizzle - a light sprinkling is the least effective method of watering. A good soaking gets to the root. Let the water sink in slowly. A lot of water applied quickly runs off into gutters. Use a kitchen timer as a reminder to turn off sprinklers.
  • A normal lawn requires watering to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches. This should take between 1 to 2 inches of water over the lawn surface. You can measure this by placing an empty soup can in the area where watering is being done and measure the amount of water collected in the can. When it reaches 1 to 2 inches, you can stop watering that area. Or, on the average, it should take about 1 hour to soak an area thoroughly. Don't forget to set a timer to remind you it's time to move the sprinkler.
  • Longer grass means less evaporation. Let grass grow taller in hot, dry weather. Set your mower one notch higher than normal.
  • If you have a kiddie pool, recycle that water by using it on your off day to water trees, shrubs and flowers with a bucket. If you don't have a kiddie pool, on your allowed sprinkling days, fill bucket or other containers to water on off days.
  • For additional tips and information, we recommend that you contact your landscaping professional or lawn and garden shop.