Washington County Water Conservancy District Newsletter • June 2022 Driest May since 1895 Conditions in Utah are getting hotter and drier. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Much of the state is now in extreme or exceptional drought (the worst categories). Southern Utah saw little to no precipitation in May 2022, with Cedar City and St. George having the driest May on record in 127 years.    “Now that portions of the state have moved into ‘exceptional drought,’ water conservation becomes even more critical,” said Brian Steed, executive director of the Department of Natural Resources. Help stretch our water supply by implementing simple changes indoors and out. Learn more at wcwcd.org. Most effective way to save water this summer With more than 50 percent of our community's water used on landscaping, the most effective and efficient way to save is to follow the seasonal watering guide. Cycle & soak lawns up to 4X a week  Drip low & slow for trees, plants and shrubs up to 3X a week Additional tips at wcwcd.org Water right, water at night Did you know that landscape watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.? Irrigating during cooler hours helps minimize evaporation from heat and wind.  If you haven't already, change your irrigation clock to water between dusk and dawn.   Clock check Our conservation staff provides free outdoor water checks to make sure you're properly watering your landscape. Call 435.673.3617 to schedule an appointment.   Upcoming workshops Learn more about this season's free workshops by clicking the links below. Workshops are held on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. and typically last one hour. July 9: Herbs July 16: Pest Control August 6: Fall into Veggie Gardening August 20: Lawn Alternatives The drying Colorado River needs your voice. Here's how to make it heard 'It has to happen': St. George officials continue work on proposed water conservation measures Latter-day Saint leaders reduce watering at temples, meetinghouses in American West during drought USU: Water conservation is critical this summer BYU: Irrigation study finds significant efficiency opportunities 'It's bad': Worries over water outlook looms after driest May on record

Some tips about snakes from the USU Extension Team

Summer months bring summer heat, and summer heat brings snakes. Utah is home to 31 species of snakes. Of these, only seven are venomous. Most snake-human interactions aren’t dangerous, but consequences could be serious if you encounter a venomous snake. 

We’ve got a few tips here to help keep you safe from slithering snakes: 

• If you see a snake, leave it alone. 
• As a general rule, venomous snakes have elliptical pupils like the ones pictured here. 
• Rattlesnakes might not always “rattle” when disturbed, so when you are in areas where they are known to live, pay close attention to where you walk, sit and place your hands.
• Keep your home unattractive to them by trimming vegetation and removing wood and rock piles to reduce hiding places. 

You can read more about how to stop snakes from slithering into your yard here. 

Be on the lookout for these creatures, but remember, they are often just as afraid of you as you are of them. 

Sssssstay safe!

A Message from the Pine Valley Flag Committee

Each time we put up or take down flags we get a lot of horns honking, people waving and saying thanks and some asking if they can help in some way. The flags have been a community effort from the beginning and we thank all of you who have contributed monetarily or who have helped in placing the flags. 

We now have 225 flags in the valley and don't have immediate plans to increase that number. However, they do wear out in the sun and wind and there are a number that will need to be replaced before next season. New flags will cost about $25. If you would like to purchase a future flag or flags, you can make a donation to: 

--Pine Valley Special Service District 

680 E Main Street 

Pine Valley, Utah 84781 

--We also now have a Venmo account @pine-valley-2 

--And finally, if you see any of the flag crews out putting up or taking down flags, you can give a donation to them and they will get it into the correct fund. 

The flag committee thanks for your support and hopes that you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Home Canning Workshop Saturday, July 9