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<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span class="p"><span class="p"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/news/lawn.jpg" alt="man frustrated with mowing lawn" title="man frustrated with mowing lawn" width="274" height="202" /></span></span></h1>
<h1><span class="p">Is Your Lawn Earning Its Keep?</span></h1>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="p">Ah, the American <a title="lawn" href="/outdoors/landscapes/lawn">lawn</a>. It is as much a part of our national tradition as apple pie and baseball. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="p">Look in any community across the nation, and you are likely to see lawns incorporated into our home landscapes, parks, recreation fields and more. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="p">And, why not? When planted with thoughtful design, <a title="lawn" href="/outdoors/landscapes/lawn">lawns</a> can be a beautiful and practical addition to the landscape. Lawns can also reduce erosion, create a natural cooling effect, and absorb dust and pollen.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="p">But, they also require more water and maintenance than other plants. <a title="More" href="/lawn">More</a> </span></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span class="p">Watering Can Be Efficient</span></h1>
<p><span class="p"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/news/SIM-Logo-Color-72dpi.jpg" alt="July is Smart Irrigation Month" title="July is Smart Irrigation Month" width="120" height="55" align="right" />Water use in the Portland metro area is at its highest during the summer due to outdoor watering. </span></p>
<p><span class="p">That’s one reason <a title="irrigation" href="/outdoors/irrigation">irrigation</a> — whether it’s a single sprinkler attached to a hose or a sophisticated underground system — is a key component to your water conservation efforts.</span></p>
<h1><span class="p">Water Conservation Heros - We Salute You!</span></h1>
<p><span class="p"><img src="/sites/default/files/images/showertimer.jpg" alt="2 girls with shower timer" title="2 girls with shower timer" width="144" height="144" align="left" />Hillary recently wrote us to share how her girls, Madison and Emma, are serious about conserving water. </span></p>
<p><span class="p">“They fell in love with your shower timer! Now race each morning to better their shower time," said Hillary. "As a parent, I love that they are more aware of how much water they were using.” </span></p>
<p><span class="p">Do you have a water conservation hero in your home? We would love to hear from <a title="RWPC email address" href="mailto:rwpcinfo@water.ci.portland.or.us">you</a>!</span></p>
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<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">We will be at several local nurseries this summer to answer your water efficient landscaping questions. </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"> </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">Stop by our booth and get your FREE <a title="watering gauge kit" href="/outdoors/irrigation/watering101">watering gauge kit</a> and other water efficient gardening <a title="resources" href="/outdoors/outdoorresources">resources</a>.  </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><strong></strong> </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><strong>June 13 -</strong> <a title="Dennis' Seven Dees Lake Oswego Location" href="http://www.dennis7dees.com/centers/lakeoswego.php">Dennis' Seven Dees</a> (Lake Oswego) </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"> </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><strong>June 13 -</strong><a title="Drake's 7 Dees" href="http://www.drakes7dees.com/garden-center/helpful-information/whats-new/47/">Drakes Seven Dees</a></p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><br /><strong>June 20 -</strong> <a title="Al's Garden Center Gresham Location" href="http://www.als-gardencenter.com/index.php?cID=261">Al's Garden Center</a> (Gresham) </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"> </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><strong>June 27 -</strong> <a title="Al's Garden Center Sherwood Location" href="http://www.als-gardencenter.com/index.php?cID=260">Al's Garden Center</a> (Sherwood) </p>
<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"> <br /><strong>July 18 -</strong> <a title="Portland Nursery" href="http://www.portlandnursery.com/">Portland Nursery</a> (Stark St.)</p>
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<p>Together, we can make a great impact in our water conservation efforts.  Here are 5 simple tips that we all can practice this summer.</p>
<p>1. <strong>Water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.</strong> when temperatures are cooler and the air is calmer.  </p>
<p>2. <strong>Water 1 inch per week.</strong>  On average, lawns need 1 inch of water per week, though you may need to water more or less depending on the weather.</p>
<p>3. <strong>Adjust your sprinklers so that they’re watering your plants and lawn</strong>, and not the sidewalk or street.  </p>
<p>4. <strong>Check your irrigation system for leaks or broken lines.</strong>  Even a small leak can be a big water waster.</p>
<p>5. <strong>Use a drip system or soaker hose</strong> to apply water directly to your plant’s root system.</p>
<p>Learn more outdoor conservation <a title="outdoor tips" href="/outdoors/outdoorconservation">tips</a>.</p>
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<p><a href="/about"><img src="/images/news/1007/hl_rwpc.gif" alt="Regional Water Providers Consortium" width="225" height="70" /></a><br /><span class="p"><a href="/about">The Consortium</a> provides planning and management support for the Portland metro region's municipal water supplies. <a href="mailto:RWPCinfo@water.ci.portland.or.us">Contact us</a>.</span></p>
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