Smart Irrigation Practices: Preventing Runoff And Ice Formation In Winter Months

A new year is finally here but the City of Lubbock is still asking residents to keep an eye on the same old thing this winter. That's runoff water. This because due to the combination of the cold wintery weather, even if it's not snowing, can cause water runoff from irrigation to freeze.

The City of Lubbock does prohibit irrigation runoff and irrigation when the temperature is under 35 degrees Fahrenheit which is when that water freezes. Frozen water is a really dangerous thing because that ice can cause severe traffic accidents and damage to property. Not only damage to property but runoff can fill potholes on roadways and when frozen can expand potholes making them become severely dangerous, like the one previously located at Loop 289 and Quaker Avenue but has been repaired.

The City of Lubbock has released some four tips for residents to help them avoid runoff water that could turn to ice such as:

• Routinely check the direction of sprinkler heads and adjust as needed.

• Routinely check sprinkler systems with temperature and precipitation sensors to ensure the system is off during precipitation events and during temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Automated sprinkler systems should be scheduled to water only 1 inch per zone per month between October and April (on your assigned days).

• Water during the warmer parts of the day (on your assigned days), such as late morning or early afternoon to reduce the risk of freezing plants, grass and sidewalks.

Following these simple tips can help avoid any water runoff that could potentially freeze over and become very dangerous ice. Any Lubbock residents can report water runoff and unsafe conditions from irrigating during freezing temperatures can report it at 806-775-2588.