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Water Supply Conservation Tips and Practices <br />a Metropolitan Council. <br />AA <br />> Water > Water Supply Planning <br />Water Conservation Toolbox: Tips and Practices <br />Water use by residential customers ranges from watering lawns <br />and gardens to showering and tooth brushing. This page <br />discusses types of outdoor and indoor residential water use and <br />provides tips and resources for efficient water use. Water <br />suppliers can promote the water practices included on this page <br />by implementing water conservation programs appropriate for <br />their communities and by directing their residential customers <br />to this page. <br />Outdoor Water Use <br />Water is used outdoors for residential turf and landscape <br />irrigation, car washing, swimming pools, and other purposes. <br />The rate of water use outdoors is highly dependent upon the <br />climate. In the Twin Cities metropolitan area outdoor water use <br />accounts for approximately 20% of total annual water use. In <br />years with particularly hot and dry summers, outdoor water use <br />may be as high as 30 %. <br />Topsoil Preparation <br />High - quality soil increases plants ability to absorb and hold water effectively, thereby reducing <br />irrigation needs. Weil- prepared soil also facilitates deep root growth, which aids infiltration of water. <br />1. Topsoil preparation following construction activity <br />During construction activity, subsoil may become compacted due to the use of heavy equipment <br />and increased traffic over the site. If construction or grading activities occur on a site that will be <br />landscaped, it is advisable to stockpile the topsoil and to return the soil to the site once the <br />activities are completed. At least 6 inches of topsoil should be returned to the site before laying <br />sod, seeding, or planting. This amount will help facilitate deep root growth and reduce runoff. <br />Page 1 of 5 <br />2. Testing soil quality <br />Topsoil is the most fertile portion of the soil. A simple soil test will help you identify the pH of <br />your soil and indicate whether an application of lime or acidic compound is needed to change the <br />pH for better plant uptake of nutrients. Although some soils may benefit from the addition of <br />some fertilizers, it is important to not over - fertilize the soil and to follow the application rates <br />posted on the fertilizer bag. Excessive use of fertilizers can pollute water resources and can be <br />potentially harmful to humans, wildlife and aquatic animals. <br />Some soils may also benefit from the addition of compost, manure, or inorganic materials, to <br />promote infiltration and water uptake by vegetation. In general, it is wise idea to add 2 to 3 <br />inches of compost, shredded leaves, or other fine organic material to gardens annually,although <br />this may vary depending on soil type and the climate. <br />Soil Preparation Resources <br />• Importance of Topsoil, Franklin Soil and Conservation District, OH <br />• Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series: Preparing soils for perennial beds, building soil <br />berms, modifying soil pH, and more, University of Minnesota <br />• Construction Stormwater BMPs: Topsoiling, San Juan County, WA <br />Water -Wise Landscapes <br />http: / /uw,rw.metrocouncil.org/ environment/ WaterSupply /conservationtoolbox residential.h... 1/14/2008 <br />