Romeoville Water Conservation Ordinance In Effect

The hottest months of the year are here, and the village is reminding Romeoville residents to be aware of local watering restrictions.

In Romeoville, a water conservation ordinance is in effect from May 10 to Sept. 10 for both residential and non-residential outdoor water use.

Addresses ending in even numbers can water their lawns on even-numbered calendar days, while addresses ending in odd numbers can water only on odd-numbered calendar days. Watering can take place only between 6 and 9 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.

Special watering permits are available for residents with newly sodded or seeded lawns by calling the Romeoville Public Works department at 815-886-1870. Permits are valid for 14 days and allow residents to water every day within permitted ours. After 14 days, normal restrictions apply.

The village offers the following lawn-watering tips:

• Water your lawn in the morning or early evening when the least evaporation occurs.
• Watering during the "Heat" of the day may scald or burn your lawn. Tiny water droplets on grass leaves act as miniature magnifying glasses.
• You can tell when it's time to water your lawn by stepping on it. If your footprints leave a long lasting imprint instead of bouncing back, it's time to water.
• DO NOT WATER THE PAVEMENT! Position sprinklers so that your lawn and garden receive the water.
• Do not drizzle. A light sprinkling is the least effective method of watering. A good soaking gets the roots. Let the water slowly sink in. A lot of water applied quickly runs off into gutters. Use a kitchen timer as a reminder to turn off sprinklers.
• A normal lawn requires watering to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches. This should take between 1 to 2 inches of water over the lawn surface. You can measure this by placing an empty soup can in the area where watering is being done and measure the amount of water collected in the area. Or, on the average, it should take about 1 hour to soak an area thoroughly. Don't forget to set a timer as a reminder it's time to move the sprinkler.
• Longer grass means less evaporation. Let grass grow taller in hot, dry weather. Set your mower one notch higher than normal.
• If you have a kiddie pool, recycle that water by using it on your off day to water trees, shrubs, and flowers with a bucket. If you don't have a kiddie pool, on your allowed sprinkling days, fill a bucket or other container to water on your off days.