Colorado Springs Utilities explains how to keep up your landscaping during hot summer days

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (KRDO) - With temperatures rising across the Pikes Peak region, Colorado Springs Utilities said it's receiving more and more calls from customers struggling to maintain their yards while keeping higher water bills at bay.

Springs Utilities admitted during the summer months water bills do increase. However, there are a few things people can do to keep their water bills manageable.

Lisa Pace, a Senior Water Conservation Specialist for Colorado Springs Utilities, said using less water is the first thing people should consider to keep their water bill down. That begins by looking at the irrigation systems for their yards. People are advised to check for leaks and get any repaired immediately.

Colorado Springs Utilities said to limit lawn watering to only three times a week. Pace said even in hot temperatures grass won't die if it's watered deeply during those three times. She suggests applying about half an inch of water and doing it before 10 a.m. or later in the afternoon. Pace said this will help the grass not stress out during the heat.

"If you are tired of having a higher water bill during the hottest part of the summer a great alternative would be to change your landscape to an alternative turf grass that uses a lot less water," said Pace.

Folks can also switch out their plant selection in their gardens and look for plants that can survive in heat like succulents and other flowers that require less water throughout the week. 

"Things like buffalo grass or blue grandma are native grasses that we have here in our area, and actually only need to be watered once a week, even in this extreme heat, so there is a great solution to really help dramatically lower water bill," added Pace.

If people are having trouble paying their bills this summer there are resources you can always call, like the 2-1-1 line, and get in touch with United Way for bill assistance.