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<p><img src="/images/news/w_art1.gif" width="345" height="30" /> <span class="p">If the mild weather has you scratching your head about whether to water, you are not alone. In fact, knowing when and how much to water is often a source of confusion.</span></p>
<p class="p">Fortunately, the <a href="/about">Consortium</a> takes the guesswork out of outdoor watering by providing the <a href="/outdoors/irrigation/wateringsmart">Weekly Watering Number</a> for <strong>FREE</strong> to Portland metro area residents and commercial landscapers each Thursday. </p>
<p class="p" style="margin-bottom: 0;">The Weekly Watering Number is the amount of water <em><strong>in inches</strong></em> that lawns need each week. By following the general guidelines below you can use the weekly watering number for other types of plants too. <a href="/outdoors/irrigation/waterchart">Learn more </a></p>
<p class="p" style="margin-top: 0;"><br />• Shrubs — 50% of the Weekly Watering Number.<br />• Trees — 50% of the Weekly Watering Number.<br />• Vegetables — 75% of the Weekly Watering Number. </p>
<p class="p" style="margin-bottom: 0;"><img src="/images/news/w_art2_001.gif" width="345" height="30" /></p>
<p class="p" style="margin-top: 0;">We love lawns. A lawn can be a serene oasis, a source of pride or an open space for kids or pets to play.  But, they are also thirsty.</p>
<p class="p">In fact, <a href="/outdoors/landscapes/lawn">lawns</a> use 2-3 times more water than other landscape plants. Current research indicates that lawn irrigation typically results in as much as 50 percent wasted water due to  evaporation, runoff, overspray and overwatering. </p>
<p class="p">With a little planning and care, you can create a beautiful lawn area that incorporates form and function. Check our <a href="/">website</a> for other waterwise landscaping tips.</p>
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<p class="p" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">The Consortium is hitting the airwaves again this summer. View our ads <a href="/news/adcampaign">here</a>, and then check our website for more info on how you can conserve water <a href="/indoors">indoors</a> and <a href="/outdoors">out</a>.</p>
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<p class="h3" style="padding-top: 0; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><strong>June 28 – How much is too much?</strong><br />The greatest waste of water at home is often watering your lawn and garden too much, too often. Learn how much water your lawn needs, then use waterwise plants to add color, drama and texture to your garden. <a href="http://www.als-gardencenter.com/index.php?cID=354">Al's Garden Center</a> (Gresham) 10 a.m - 2p.m.</p>
<p class="h3" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><strong>July 28 - Sprinklers 101</strong><br />Join irrigation expert Steve Carper for an informal workshop that will cover the basics of efficient irrigation, then stop by our booth for a FREE watering gauge kit and other resources. <a href="http://www.farmingtongardens.com/">Farmington Gardens</a> (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)</p>
<p class="h3" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">Visit <a href="/news/eventcalendar">www.conserveh2o.org</a> for a complete list of FREE workshops and events.  Topics include a variety of waterwise and natural gardening tips and techniques.</p>
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<h4 class="h3" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0;">1. <strong>Water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.</strong> when temperatures are cooler and the air is calmer. </h4>
<p class="h3" style="margin-top: 0;">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 class="h3">3. <strong>Adjust your sprinklers</strong> so that they’re watering your plants and lawn, and not the sidewalk or street. </p>
<p class="h3">4. <strong>Add native and waterwise plants to your garden. </strong>They are well suited to this region and require less water. </p>
<p class="h3">5. <strong>Sweep your sidewalk and driveways.</strong> It’s good exercise, and it saves water!</p>
<p class="h3" style="margin-bottom: 0;">Visit <a href="/">www.conserveh2o.org</a> for more water conservation tips.</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="/about/contact">Contact us</a>.</span></p>
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