COEUR d'ALENE - Hot temperatures and high water bills got you down?

Ease up on your water consumption by lessening the amount of water you give your lawn.

Lawn watering plays a huge role in water consumption and can be wasteful, said Coeur d'Alene Water Superintendent Jim Markley. Two thirds of all annual water consumption comes during July and August, he said.

Ever heard of too much of a good thing? People tend to overwater their lawns, leading to disease and weed growth. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't take much for lawns to thrive, Markley said. They require only an inch or two of water each week.

The best time to water the lawn is early morning or evening. It is also important to check that only the lawn is being watered and not nearby concrete or gutters, Markley said. This could lead to pesticides and herbicides making their way into local rivers and lakes.

From mowing to fertilizing to watering, lawns can require a lot of work. One way to avoid the hassle but still have a beautiful yard is to implement "Xeriscape," Markley said. This kind of landscaping requires little or no water and includes bark, shrubs and drought-resistant plants. An example of a Xeriscape garden is at 10th Street and Foster Avenue.

Minimizing the amount of water needed for irrigation can save the people money, Markley said.

"Most customers' consumption of water increases dramatically during the summer. So do their utility bills," he said. "Practice water-saving tips and both your lawn and your pocketbook could prosper this summer."