Conserving Water During Drought

WNC -- July 12, 2024: During the current drought in Western North Carolina, it is crucial to prioritize water conservation

to ensure the availability of this vital resource for essential needs. One of the most effective ways to conserve water is to refrain from watering lawns. Watering grass during a drought is wasteful and unnecessary for several reasons:

Non-Essential Use: Grass can naturally go dormant during dry periods and will recover once the drought ends. Using precious water resources to maintain a green lawn is not essential when compared to other critical needs such as drinking water, sanitation, and agriculture.

Inefficiency: Lawns require a substantial amount of water to stay green, often resulting in significant water loss due to evaporation and runoff. This inefficiency makes lawn watering an unsustainable practice during a drought.
Environmental Impact: Overwatering lawns can lead to water runoff, which can carry fertilizers and pesticides into local waterways, further exacerbating environmental issues. Conserving water by not watering grass helps protect our natural ecosystems.

By not watering your lawn, you contribute to the collective effort to conserve water during this critical time. Let your grass go dormant and focus on more sustainable landscaping practices, such as using drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation methods.

Plant Drought-Resistant Plants: Choose native and drought-tolerant plants that require less water. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension recommends native plants like Carolina Jessamine and Eastern Redbud.

Together, we can make a significant impact in preserving our water resources for the future.

WNCTimes

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