CONSERVATION CORNER

SUMMER'S END

As summer comes to an end, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler. This results in plants needing less irrigation. Some plants will even begin to enter their seasonal dormancy soon. Thus, it is time to consider cutting back on outside watering and begin planning for the cooler weather of fall and winter. It is also the time to consider planting bulbs for next spring and inventorying the plants that you might want to mulch for protection from this winter's cold weather.

The recent rains have provided well-timed contributions towards landscape irrigation and providing water to our drought stressed trees. Hopefully, many of you took advantage of these showers and turned off your sprinklers and soaker hoses for 4 or 5 days.

The cooler weather and showers couldn't have come at a better time, because most of CSDs and DWPs wells are still declining. Additionally, 4 wells have been shut down due to low water levels. Thus, water conservation is still extremely important. Keep in mind that we have had very limited recharge of the Big Bear Valley's aquifers during the last five years. Declining water levels in our wells will undoubtedly continue until we receive above average precipitation. So, it wouldn't hurt to be thinking of additional ways you could conserve water around your home next summer, just in case we have another dry winter!

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