 summer 2010   are you overwatering  here in the portland metro area water use doubles or triples during the summer due to outdoor watering so knowing how much to water your landscape can be a key to saving you water time and money this summer if you are unsure how much to water you are not alone in fact overwatering is pretty common generally we recommend watering an established lawn about an inch a week other established plants may need even less to thrive not sure how long it takes your sprinkler to water an inch pick up one of our free watering gauge kits at any of our summer events or request that one be mailed to you the kit will show you how to figure out the time it takes your sprinkler to water an inch interested in tailoring your watering schedule  sign up to receive our weekly watering number by email each week the weekly watering number is the amount of water in inches that your lawn needs each week it can also be used for other plants by using these guidelines  your garden photos needed travel through the portland metro area and you will see a patchwork of fabulous gardens and landscapes many of which include an amazing palette of beautiful native and well adapted plants we are interested in showcasing some real life examples of how local gardeners incorporate waterwise gardening practices into their home gardens so  email us a photo of your home garden along with a short description of how you use water efficiently in your landscape consortium staff will select up to 25 winning photos to feature in a new waterwise slideshow on our website wwwconserveh2oorg and in our fall 2010 enewsletter new brochure for multifamily property managers the consortium s new multifamily property manager brochure shows how simple upgrades can save money time and money the brochure uses an example property to show how upgrading faucet aerators showerheads and toilets can translate into significant water sewer and energy savings interested in attending a presentation that covers these topics  sign up here and we will let you know about our next workshop we will be at several local nurseries this summer to answer your water efficient landscaping questions stop by our booth and get your free watering gauge kit and other water efficient gardening resources june 19  drakes seven dees  eastside july 10  dennis 7 dees  butner rd july 17  al s garden center  sherwood during the warm summer months we in the portland metro area spend time outdoors tending to our lawns growing our gardens washing our cars all activities that depend on water as a result water usage can double or triple here are some ways to curb your water use while still maintaining a green and vibrant landscape adjust your sprinklers so that they re watering your lawn and garden  and not the street or sidewalk water early in the morning before 10am or later in the evening after 6 pm  when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimized group plants with like watering needs  creating watering zones in your garden will allow you to give each plant the water it requires not too much or too little visit our website for more ways to conserve water indoors and out  regional water providers consortium provides planning and management support for the portland metropolitan region s municipal water supplies contact us to learn more  copyright 2010 all rights reserved 