Drought brings Water Department Advisory

The Concord Public Works Department is encouraging all water customers to use water wisely.

"During prolonged periods of extreme heat and drought, it is not uncommon for water system demands to increase by over 100 percent," the department website stated.

The department advises:

Check your lawn to see if it is thirsty by sticking a screwdriver into the lawn. If it doesn't go through five inches of soil easily, your lawn may need water.

Water before 9 a.m. to minimize evaporation.

Keep the lawnmower setting high; 3 inches or so, to encourage a stronger root system, reduce evaporation and crowd out weeds.

Apply minimum fertilizer. Or use compost. It will add nutrients and maintain moisture. Free compost is available to Concord residents at the composting site on Walden Street.

Use a tuna or cat food can to measure the amount of water you use. Your lawn needs only an inch a week.