Unusual rainy and unsettled weather patterns are resulting in record June rains, increased humidity, and cooler temperatures. We are recommending that property owners with in-ground sprinkler systems and automated controllers turn off sprinkler systems until this weather pattern stops.

To determine if your lawn or shrub areas need water, conduct one of the following simple tests:

• Insert a long screw driver (6 to 8 inches) into the turf or soil. If it easy to push it through the soil, there is adequate moisture in the soil
• Look at the color of the lawn; if it appears to have a silvery cast it is in need of watering
• Walk across the lawn; if the grass blades don't spring back up after having been stepped on, the lawn needs water
• Install a rain measuring device; if 1/2 inch of water accumulates in a 24 hour period, delay watering the lawn until the next scheduled day/date

For more information on how to save water in the landscape and indoors, visit the other links in these pages. Remember, saving water saves money.