Newport Beach encouraging citywide water conservation

The Newport Beach City Council has proclaimed July as “Smart Irrigation Month,” in an effort to raise awareness of water conservation in the city.

Water usage to irrigate landscaping and lawns typically jumps in July, according to city officials. On average, about half of household water use is related to landscape irrigation, and property owners tend to over-water lawns and landscapes by up to 30%, according to the city.

City officials offer several suggestion to curb water usage, including checking for over-watering. Residents should watch for water that overflows onto curbs or into gutters and moss growth in landscaped areas. A muddy yard and plants with yellow leaves also are signs of over-watering. The city also suggests residents make sure sprinklers are functioning properly and that they’re watering lawns and not driveways, sidewalks and streets.

For more water-saving tips, call (949) 644-3214 or visit www.cleanwaternewport.com, www.bewaterwise.com, or www.smartirrigationmonth.org.

— Brianna Bailey