If your landscape has adequate soil, it's best to water deeply once a week -- it allows roots to grow deeper in search of water, and builds a stronger lawn. If you have thinner or rocky soil, water for a shorter period of time twice a week. Remember to water only on your assigned watering days.
Just remember that even in the hottest summer months, your lawn needs no more than 1" of water weekly. Don't forget to take rainfall into account!
How long you need to water depends on the type of irrigation method you're using, since each has different flow rates and distribution patterns. An easy way to tell is to set a few tuna or cat food cans on your lawn before you water. When they're full (or half-full, if you're watering twice a week), stop watering.
Only when your lawn really needs it. You'll know when you can see a light footprint after walking across your grass. In a typical year, from May 1 through September 30, a watering schedule is mandatory for single-family customers. During this time, outdoor irrigation is not allowed between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm, except when watering with a hand-held hose or bucket. This mandatory watering schedule is subject to change during any given year based on drought triggers, other weather conditions, or emergency orders. Always be sure to check our website for the most up-to-date watering schedule.
