Free Lowflow Retrofit Kit with Gwinnett Water Conservation Workshop

The Department of Water Resources will host a free workshop for residents to learn how they can increase water efficiency in their homes. The workshop is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 12. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Auditorium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

Officials said attendees will receive a low-flow retrofit kit, outdoor water efficiency kit, do-it-yourself water audit guide and information on how to apply for the County’s toilet rebate program. Attendees may register by sending an email with their name, address and phone number to dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com or calling 678.376.6722.

July is traditionally the month of peak water demand for lawns, gardens, and landscapes. With Gwinnett experiencing triple-digit temperatures, the Department of Water Resources has five tips on how residents can get the most out of every gallon of water used outdoors:

• Group plants with similar water needs close together and separate lawn areas from planting beds

• Make sure you're not sending water down the drain. Aim sprinklers to water plants, not your driveway, sidewalk, patio, or buildings

• Water at the right time of day. Watering when the sun is low, winds are calm, and temperatures are cooler minimizes evaporation by as much as 30 percent. The best time to water is during early morning hours before the sun comes up

• Thoroughly soak the root zone (generally within the top six inches of soil for lawns), then let the soil dry. Watering too frequently results in shallow roots and encourages weed growth, disease, and fungus

• Inspect your irrigation system for leaks, broken, or clogged sprinkler heads or other damaged components, and check that sprinkler heads are high enough to clear plants that may have grown taller since your irrigation system was installed

For more tips on efficient irrigation, visit www.smartirrigationmonth.org or www.gwinnetth2o.com.

(Editor's Note: This announcement was compiled from Gwinnett County press releases.)