With summer rolling in, the City of Norman has issued some friendly advice to help residents enjoy the warm weather responsibly and keep the environment safe. The city's message, which details proper pool drainage, yard waste disposal, and irrigation practices, shines a light on simple steps we can all take for a greener community. The City of Norman's official release reminds us that our fun under the sun has its impacts—impacts which are manageable with just a little bit of care and forethought.
For pool owners, managing chemical levels is key; high concentrations of salt and chlorine threaten local aquatic life and vegetation, and draining into the sanitary sewer or ensuring the pool's chlorine levels are neutralized before discharging are necessary precautions—simple yet significant efforts in preserving our communal waters, yet with the potential to forget these efforts can build up substantially leading to consequences that extend beyond the individual's backyard.
Things as seemingly inconsequential as grass clippings can have an outsized effect on our local water quality and can contribute to flooding due to storm drain blockages, the city warns. Mulching or composting yard waste rather than sweeping it into the street is a better environmental choice, which also doubles as a tip for natural lawn fertilization. For those who aren't into composting or leaving clippings on their lawns, the city suggests adhering to Yard Waste Day schedules for proper disposal.
The seasonal hike in water usage is another issue Norman residents are asked to address through odd/even irrigation schedules—addresses ending in an odd number water on odd days and even numbers on even days, reducing the strain on the city's water system which can lead to lower pressure and in extreme circumstances, could affect critical services like firefighting, the alternating schedules simple yet effective in maintaining a balance and reducing the peak demands that challenge municipal systems during sweltering days when neighborhoods and green spaces alike parch under the relentless sun.
These guidelines, while might seem like small drops in the bucket, collectively contribute to the health and sustainability of the Norman community. As the mercury rises, keeping these practices in mind can ensure a summer that is both enjoyable and less taxing on the environment we all share.
