This seasonal population influx begins an annual spike in water demand due to opening seasonal homes, vacation rentals, lawn irrigation, and gardening.

During most years, this combination is not a problem, and our local water supply “Chase’s Pond” can handle the increased demand without any cause for concern.

However, during unusually dry years when drought conditions persist, the need to conserve becomes necessary and action may be recommended or required to ensure there is adequate water supply to fulfill everyone’s basic needs.

Recently, as a proactive measure we asked for assistance from the Kittery Water District to allow us to operate the siphon line between Folly and Chase’s Pond. To date we have successfully transferred approximately 42 million gallons. The precipitation outlook for this region remains promising, with the expectation of average precipitation or better. York Water District is therefore asking our customers for voluntary water conservation on non-essential water use. This measure will help us to ensure the reduction of overall impact on our community and the environment we live in.

York has experienced a beautiful summer of 2022, with plentiful sun and near ideal conditions for both visitors and year-round residents alike. Rainfall, however, has been somewhat elusive, raising the possibility of a renewed call for voluntary conservation. That being the case, we would like to share some suggestions for water conservation which are geared for the summer months.

How You Can Help Conserve Water During the Summer Months:

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• Avoid watering lawns. Aerating your lawn is a benefit that allows water to reach the roots using a lesser amount.

• Water garden plants only, when necessary either early in the day (before 9AM) or late in the evening (after 5PM) to avoid water loss by evaporation. Use a soil trickle hose not a sprinkler.

• If you have an irrigation system or are thinking of installing one, please consider...

  • A drip irrigation system. The water is slowly applied at ground level, which allows for better absorption, especially in clay soil.

  • Soil moisture sensors. Placed in the ground to prevent irrigation system from turning on when not needed.

  • Add a rain sensor. The system will shut off when it rains.

  • Be sure to adjust your watering schedule throughout the irrigation season, whether you have a manual or automatic system.

  • Routinely check the irrigation system for leaks.

  • Change the batteries in your system annually.

  • Use a manual hose bib timer. The timer connects to a hose and automatically shuts off the sprinklers after a certain length of time.

• GROUP: plants with similar watering needs

• KEEP: grass longer than usual to promote soil moisture retention and help develop deeper roots. Use mulch and dig troughs around plants to hold moisture.

• USE: a rain barrel or containers under downspouts to catch and use rainfall.

• AVOID: washing cars and other vehicles.

• Instead of using water to clean walkways, decks, or driveways, use a broom.

• Cover swimming pools when they are not in use to prevent evaporation.

• Consider delaying planting, seeding, and sodding.

Please contact York Water District for more information.