As temperatures climb, NI Water is inviting householders to go ‘eau’ naturelle and give the sprinkler and hose a summer break. Established lawns are tougher than they look, so let the grass sit back, relax and look after itself during dry spells.

While a brown lawn can look alarming, established grass is one of the great survivors of a hot, dry spell. It naturally slows down, turns brown and waits for moisture to return, before greening up again when the rain comes back.

NI Water says saving water in the garden is a simple way to reduce demand during the busiest summer periods, when demand rises for drinking, cooking, washing and keeping families and pets hydrated.

NI Water education officer Anna Killen said: “We know people take pride in their gardens, but an established lawn does not need to be watered with mains water to survive a spell of warm weather. Grass is very resilient. It may turn brown and dry-looking, but in most cases it is simply resting and will bounce back when it next rains.

“Using sprinklers or hosepipes on lawns can use a lot of water very quickly, and much of it can be lost through evaporation in hot weather. By leaving lawns alone, using a watering can for any plants that genuinely need it and making the most of rainwater where possible, we can all help make every drop count this summer.”

NI Water’s summer gardening water-saving tips:

• Leave established lawns unwatered during dry spells – they are designed to recover when rain returns.
• Avoid sprinklers, which can use a large amount of water and are less targeted than a watering can.
• Water pots, young plants and vegetables only when they need it, ideally early in the morning or in the evening.
• Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe to stay in control of how much water is being used.
• Collect rainwater in a waterbutt and use it around the garden during drier days.

 

NI Water is also encouraging households to complete the free Get Water Fit online water audit at www.getwaterfit.co.uk  to find out more about how they use water and discover simple ways to save at home and in the garden.

 

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Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com