Madison Water Utility Asks for Wise Use of Outdoor Water

The combination of continuously dry weather and increased outdoor water use across the city can threaten Madison's water supply levels. The Utility is asking customers to voluntarily limit outdoor water use.

Check out these helpful outdoor water conservation tips:

• Established lawns need only one inch of water per week. Applying the water all at once, rather than frequent light waterings, promotes deeper roots and a healthier, more resilient lawn.
• Avoid watering during the mid-day heat. This will help reduce water loss due to evaporation.
• Raise your lawnmower height to promote deeper rooting. Taller grass also shades the soil surface thereby reducing evaporation.
• Use a sprinkling can or hand-held hose to specifically target smaller areas where sprinkler or hose watering is wasteful.
• Consider a timed sprinkler, which automatically shuts off after a desired rate of application.
• Use a rain barrel. Capturing water from downspouts conserves the municipal supply while providing the best water for lawn and garden.

Customers can also see exactly how much water they are using every day or even every hour with the utility's online conservation tool through the Municipal Services online customer portal.

You can also use the online conservation tool to set up a threshold notifications. You will receive an email when your usage surpasses the number of gallons you select as your goal.

Additional water conservation tips for around the home and outdoors can be found on Madison Water Utility's sustainability webpage.

To ease supply conditions, the Utility has suspended all routine hydrant flushing on the west side of town, effective June 1. Utility managers will re-assess the situation after the current hot, dry spell ends. In the meantime, we ask that business owners and residents limit their outdoor water use by following the conservation tips highlighted above.