Watering Requirements

Starting on January 1, 2025, all automatic irrigation systems in the Port Washington Water District must be retrofitted with a smart irrigation controller. Lawn irrigation is the biggest source of water use every year, and smart controllers are the best way to reduce water waste while irrigating. This requirement aims to ensure that residents are able to conserve water while keeping their lawns and gardens lush and healthy.

Conservation is especially crucial in coastal communities like Port Washington. When we over-pump our fresh water source, we run the risk of saltwater seeping into our drinking water. This can be detrimental to public health, making smart irrigation controllers even more crucial on our peninsula.

Lawn Watering Guidelines

  • Adhere to Nassau County’s Odd/Even Lawn Watering Ordinance
    • Even-numbered homes are permitted to water on even-numbered days
    • Odd-numbered homes are permitted to water on odd-numbered days
    • All watering is prohibited between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
  • Addresses within the below geographic zones are required to follow their dedicated watering time schedule.
  • If you manually irrigation, restrict watering to 15 minutes per zone.
  • Turn back watering times for each irrigation zone by four minutes.

Water Consumption Chart

Water use skyrockets in the spring and summer, primarily due to lawn irrigation. With smart irrigation controllers, homeowners can save approximately 30% on their water usage.

Other Ways to Conserve

Tips for saving water indoors

Water conservation saves you money and makes an important contribution to a better future. Below are a few helpful tips and techniques for you to implement at home or at your place of business.

  • Stop Leaks
    Check appliances and outdoor systems, such as sprinklers, for leaks. Get to know your meter—it provides important information about consumption and leaks. Common leaks waste 10% of the water used in many homes.
  • Replace Old Toilets
    Toilet flushing is the top water user in the home. If you haven’t replaced your toilets in 10 years or more, you’ll benefit from the new high-efficiency models.
  • Buy An Efficient Clothes Washer
    Washers are the second largest consumer of water in the home. New “Energy Star” certified models may use 50% less water and energy per load.
  • Run Dishwashers and Washing Machines
    Try to run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are fully loaded.
  • Use Water Only When it is Necessary
    Turn it off when finished.

Tips for conserving water outdoors

During warmer weather months, many consumers increase their outdoor water usage. The amount of water that homeowners use to keep their lawns green or gardens lush increases significantly during the summer months…almost four times as much water is used during June through August than the rest of the year! The PWWD Board of Commissioners advises that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are simple ways to promote a healthier lawn and garden with less water this summer.

  • Spring It Back: Grass doesn’t always need water just because it’s hot. Step on the lawn, and if the grass springs back, it doesn’t need water. An inexpensive soil moisture sensor can also show the amount of moisture at the plant’s roots and discourage overwatering.
  • Keep It Long: Raise your lawn mower blade. Longer grass promotes deeper root growth, resulting in a more drought-resistant lawn, reduced evaporation and fewer weeds.
  • Give Your Hose A Break:Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them off. Also, don’t forget to check for leaks at your spigot connection and tighten as necessary.

Gardening Tips

Conserving water doesn’t mean you have to forego your passion for gardening. Follow these simple tips to reduce your landscape’s water needs.

  • Consider decorating your garden with water-efficient native plants.
  • Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation, promote plant growth and control weeds.
  • Add compost or an organic matter to soil as necessary, to improve soil conditions and water retention.
  • Collect rainfall for irrigation in a screened container (to prevent mosquito larvae growth).
  • Always use a broom to clean walkways, driveways, porches and decks rather than hosing off areas.