By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
All residents of Nephi should have received a notice
in their utility billings concerning water restrictions.
Randy McKnight, city administrator, said that the
letter thanks residents and businesses for their cooperation
in wisely using the city's water resources and also warns
against violation of the time-of-day watering
restrictions.
"Violation of the time-of-day watering restrictions is
a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $750,"
said McKnight.
The city has completed several projects designed to
improve the reliability of water delivery systems as well as
the summertime taste of drinking water for residents of the
community.
City ordinance prohibits outdoor watering between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., he said.
"This ordinance is neither seasonal nor temporary,
governs the use of both culinary and irrigation water, and
remains in effect today," said McKnight.
He told council members that residents of the
community were being encouraged to use water resources
wisely and refrain from outdoor watering during the hours
when watering is inefficient.
Most lawn problems are a direct result of over
watering.
"The only exceptions listed in the ordinance are the
watering of newly planted grass, short cycles necessary for
inspecting and maintaining irrigation systems, and other
situations specifically authorized by Nephi City," said
McKnight.
There are several lawn-growing tips that homeowners
can use. One is not keeping the lawn shorter than indoor
carpet.
Mowing lawn at such a short length hurts the grass,
wastes water and produces more green waste.
Raising the lawn mower height another one-half to one
inch, promotes the conservation of water in grass. Grass
will shade itself as it grows longer, reducing its overall
water need. This, in turn, reduces the growth rate of the
grass meaning less frequent mowing.
Experts recommend cutting grass to a total length of
three inches, and removing no more than one-third of the
leaf blade per mowing.
In order to make grass heartier, try stressing it. By
going an extra day without water here and there, deeper root
growth is promoted. The deeper the roots are allowed to
penetrate the soil, the better overall health of the
lawn.
Roots will only grow as far as they need to in order
to get water. If roots are always getting water up near the
surface of the lawn, the plants have no incentive to grow
deeper.
Check rooting depth by using a soil probe or
screwdriver.
Don't worry. It's virtually impossible to kill lawn.
The lawn may turn brown in areas, but it is just the plant
going dormant, not dying. Adding water will make that spot
spring back to life.
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