(Editor’s Note—This is one of our continuing series of stories as part of our Davis Journal Water Watchers campaign)

Kaysville City Mayor Tami Tran and the Council know residents want to do their part in conserving water. So bright and early Saturday morning, May 7, Kaysville City held a first-ever water conservation event for residents and businesses to find answers to their questions and learn about conservation opinions from local experts. 

The event was staffed by City experts, as well as experts from Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company, Benchland Water District, Utah State Botanical Gardens, and others. 

Public Works Director Josh Belnap was on hand to discuss water information, restrictions, and backflow regulations. He had a nifty information handout that supplied several tips. These included culinary water not being able to be connected to an irrigation system to substitute for the loss of secondary irrigation water, never leaving a running hose unattended, waiting to water until the temperatures are in the upper 70s for several consecutive days, and several others. 

When asked about the city regulation not to water between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Belnap explained some “hand” watering may take place during those hours, but only if always supervised. He said “the reason midday watering is frowned upon is simply because it is a waste of water. During the afternoon hours, the sun is high in the sky, and its rays bake the soil throughout the middle of the day.” He said theoretically, you can support the health of your green space without breaking the rules by slowing down the evaporation process that occurs when watering during the afternoon.

While timing to water is particularly important, especially in hot/dry weather climates, knowing exactly how to water your plants is just as key. As far as timing is concerned, the best times to water your lawn and garden are early in the morning, and once the sun has gone down in the evening. It is recommended to keep moisture in the soil by adding a layer of mulch around plants and over bare dirt. Numerous options are available ranging from colorful recycled rubber to inexpensive straw. Mulching reduces the need for extra watering between rainstorms and keeps soil moisture and temperature levels constant for best growth. 

Benchland Water District Board Member Jim Taylor supplied handout information saying not to water sidewalks, driveways, or roadways; also, not to water landscape for more than the recommended length of time. When watering sloped areas where water runs off easily, water slow and in short five-minute increments to ensure effective absorption and less run off. Their information said turf studies have shown that most lawns need to be watered only once every 3 to 4 days to stay healthy and green. Watering every day creates shallow roots. Watering infrequently develops deep roots and healthier turf. Taylor said “grass roots grow deeper into the soil and become stronger with less watering. If grass does not spring back after being stepped on, it’s time to water.” Adjusting the lawn mower to a higher setting will keep moisture by allowing taller grass to shade roots and hold moisture. 

Staff from the USU Botanical Center were on hand to supply gardening tips as well as information on upcoming classes and events. These include topics for woody plants for landscapes, waterwise landscape design, park strip design, yoga in the garden, planting for pollinators, etc. 

Mayor Tran discussed the continuing need for the city to encourage and educate users. She said, “although we are not sure of the best methods to get the word out, we keep trying our best to keep pushing multiple forms of education.” If you haven’t checked out the Facebook posts on the Kaysville City page, Mayor Tran and Community Development Director Melinda Greenwood have been sharing all of the great local resources and tips to be more waterwise in your yard. l