Union-Bulletin

Facts and tips on water usage and conservation are presented weekly by the city of Walla Walla, in partnership with Walla Walla Community College and the Union-Bulletin.

Precipitation and moisture

Last September: 0.01 inches

This September so far: 0.00 inches

Soil moisture content: Normal

Chinook salmon return numbers

Fish numbers in the Walla Walla River counted at Nursery Street Bridge in Milton Freewater for the year are spring Chinook, 398; steelhead, 839.

Data collected by The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation Department of Natural Resources; funding provided by Bonneville Power Administration.

Water usage

This week’s average water use by all city customers: 16.20 million gallons per day. Last week’s average water use: 16.44 million gallons per day.

Water use guidelines

For the week of Sept. 1-7, precipitation was 0.00 inches and turf grass in the area used 1.57 inches of moisture, according to WSU AgWeathernet data. Home irrigators should have run spray type sprinklers five times for 13 minutes each and rotor type sprinklers five times for 47 minutes this week. Calculations are based on average precipitation rates, please adjust for local conditions.

Yard care and water savings tips

Tips for getting your garden and yard ready for fall.

Pull emerging weeds in beds when ground is moist and before they develop deep roots.

Mulch garden beds with leaves or compost to reduce winter weeds and feed the soil.

Mulch tree and shrub beds with leaves, wood chips or bark.

Plant trees, shrubs, and many perennials in early fall to give them a good start.

Improve thin areas of lawns in September/October by aerating, over-seeding and top-dressing with compost.

Fertilize lawns with “natural organic” or “slow release” fertilizer in September to develop healthy roots and crowd out weeds.

Reduce watering for cooler weather in September.

When rains come, shut off and drain watering systems.

Put away exposed soaker hoses, or re-cover with mulch if left out.

Clear out annual garden growth and compost it for spring. Keep pile as moist as a wrung-out sponge.