As the mercury sails straight past spring and into summer, the quest for keeping cool begins.
The air conditioners are cranking, the sprinklers are pumping, the barbecues are burning, pools are open and the summer movie slate is in full swing. When it’s hot we turn to water to cool us down, and images of kids playing in the streets with open fire hydrants and running through sprinklers capture the mood of summer.
Respecting our precious natural resource while getting our fill is a focus of all families this summer. According to the Port Washington Water District, water consumption is the highest during the summer months, at over 150,000,000 gallons. That’s a lot of agua.
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We want to enjoy the freedoms of summer and our beautiful lawns that were buried under snow all winter. While not wanting our gardens to wilt and lawns going brown, we can add water to the mix in a mindful and fun way.
For instant fun this summer keep a few tips in mind:
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Pack it: Keep a bag in your car with bathing suits, a change of dry clothes, towels and sunscreen. You never know when you will want to take a dip. Have a plastic bag on hand for your wet clothes.
Sprinkle Two Birds: Sprinklers are a great way to get into the summer fun without owning a pool or paying for a pool membership. The sprinklers at the Landmark Park are on and are great fun for the kids. If your kids love the sprinklers, water your lawn and your kids at the same time. This activity provided hours of fun when I was a kid and elicits squeals of joy from my kids.
Say When: Check with the PW Water District about your assigned water days and set your sprinklers accordingly. Water your lawn in the early morning or late afternoon/evening. Anything in between will scorch your lawn.
Check for Leaks: The PW Water District recommends you “check appliances and outdoor systems such as sprinklers for leaks. Get to know your meter, as it provides important information about consumption and leaks. Common leaks waste 10% of the water used in many homes.”
Water Fights: Trade in your hardballs for waterballs, this keeps the kids active while cooling off. Water guns are a blast and there are an assortment of squirters that are not so violent.
Head to the Beach: Hang by a natural body of water, it’s cooler. Literally, it always seems at least 10 degress cooler by the water. There are plenty of private and public beaches around Port Washington, like Manhorhaven Beach Park and North Hempstead Beach Park (formerly known as Bar Beach), for you to pack up a picnic and spend the day.
Sail Away: Take advantage of the easy access to the water and take out a kayak, canoe or learn how to sail at the Port Washington Sailing School.
It wouldn’t be summer without mom reminding you to lather up the sunscreen and reapply after exposure to water, and to always practice pool safety.
What are your family’s favorite ways to keep cool?
