DPW Offers Watering Tips To Reduce City's Rates

The time of day you set your sprinklers this summer may contribute to how much you pay for water in the future. The Shelby Township Department of Public Works (DPW) recently released guidelines on the most efficient and cost-effective ways to use water during the summer. 

In 2010 approximately one third of all water used in the township was for lawn irrigation. In addition, Shelby homeowners used an average of 46,200 gallons on their grass last year. 

Water usage peaks during morning and evening hours, the times people typically get ready for work and return home. This happens even in the winter, said Ted Schoenherr, director of the Shelby Township DPW. The majority of the rate charged by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) to customers in Shelby Township (and other areas) is driven by water usage during peak hours. DWSD’s costs increase during peak periods and the cost is ultimately charged to customers through increased water rates. 

“Are we one of those people who want to water when we want to water even though it might be a high production period for our supplier, Detroit?  They are able to know that. They know how much water we’re using, they know when we’re using it. This is a big part in calculating our rates,” Schoenherr said. “So what we are saying is instead of peaking at these periods, let’s bring our peak down because Detroit is going to recognize that. Our rates probably won’t go down, but they won’t go up as much.”

So what’s the best time to water in order to save money and our lawn? The DPW recommends watering anytime from midnight to 5 a.m. By sprinkling during 3 a.m. to 4 a.m., for example, the water will have a chance to sufficiently soak into the topsoil. In addition, remaining water will evaporate when the sun rises, which should eliminate fungi. 

Residents should also follow the township’s recommendations about watering on even/odd days, which lasts from May 1 through Sept. 30 of each year. This means homeowners with addresses ending in even numbers are to water on even-numbered calendar days. Those with odd-numbered addresses should do the same on odd days. 

The DPW also added that an inch of water twice a week, whether from rain or sprinklers, is all that is needed to produce a healthy lawn in good soil conditions. 

Homeowners should also make sure sprinklers are in working condition (no leaks) and that they are properly adjusted to avoid watering the streets or sidewalks. Adjusting your system to avoid puddling and runoff will also help reduce the amount of water you use. 

Consider the local car wash, which reuses water, or wash your vehicle on the grass or in a place where the runoff benefits the lawn or landscape. Avoid using the hose to rinse off the driveway; use a broom or leaf blower instead. Property owners with newly seeded lawns may irrigate as often as necessary during the first 21 days following planting, but try to avoid the peak hours listed above.