news release - City of Sachse

City of Sachse
3815-B Sachse Road
Sachse, TX 75048
www.cityofsachse.com
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2016
Media Contact: Celso Martinez, 972-623-8836
Sensible approach to coming watering season urged
‘Smart watering makes cents’ slogan debuts
SACHSE (June 23, 2016) The tapering off of the late spring rains in the area signals the traditional start of the watering
season for lawns and landscapes in the Sachse area, and City officials are encouraging a sensible approach to the
practice.
“As in all cases, moderation is best,” says Finance Director Teresa Savage. “Lawns need water, of course, but
they do not need to be inundated on a weekly basis. There is now a scientifically-based method for knowing exactly
how much water to use every week.”
Experts agree that in order for lawns and landscaping to develop a strong and deep root system, critical for their
health and longevity, applying one-inch of water a week is more than sufficient. And, with the occasional summer rains
contributing some of that requirement, operating sprinkler systems is not always necessary.
“As was painfully evident last summer, setting the irrigation system to run automatically can be astronomically
expensive,” said Savage. “Being prudent with automatic systems is the best way to manage water use, and thus water
costs.”
To that end, the City of Sachse invested in its own weather station over the winter, tying its findings with the
local Water My Yard website. This combination of climate and online technologies provide accurate, weekly reports on
water needs for the Sachse area.
Reports from the weather station, positioned at City Hall, are sent to the Water My Yard hub, which then
interprets the data and sends an email or a text to individuals subscribed to the service. The email message or text gives
residents an exact amount of water required for that week. “This takes the guesswork out completely,” she added. “All
one has to do is either open the email message or read the text from Water My Yard and implement the recommended
watering suggestion.”
Two things are necessary to take advantage of this free, localized service. First, residents must register with the
Water My Yard website. This is easily accomplished by visiting www.watermyyard.org and filling out a very brief form.
Second, homeowners should switch their irrigation system controller to the off position. This allows for the
resident to have complete control of the watering times and durations.
“It’s a very simple process, and one which will eliminate the trauma of an unexpected high water bill this
summer,” she said. “And, as an added bonus, the lawn stays healthy throughout the warm summer season.”
Sachse is adopting a slogan to underscore the importance of using good sense in watering this summer. It’s
“Smart watering makes cents.” It’s a play on words that emphasizes good sense in watering habits will save dollars and
cents for the customer.
City Manager Gina Nash says the slogan ties water and money together, so that there is no confusion that using
more water will cost more money. “There should be no doubt anywhere in the North Texas area that more water going
through the meter will mean more money going out the wallet,” she said. “Truly, smart watering will make sense, and
cents, for all of us.”
For assistance in enrolling in Water My Yard, contact the Sachse Utility Billing Department at 469-429-4763.
###
ABOUT THE CITY OF SACHSE – Sachse is an emerging city in Collin and Dallas Counties with a population of 20,329 according to the 2010 census.
Located about a mile north of the President George Bush Turnpike off State Hwy 78, the City is chartered as a Council-Manager municipality.
Founded in 1845 by William Sachse, the City enjoys an eclectic mix of older, established neighborhoods and new residential and commercial
developments. Proud of its history, the City is home to a strong historical restoration movement which includes an extensive history museum.