Bend, Deschutes County offer fall sprinkler tips

Temperatures will be dropping as Central Oregon enters fall, which means it is time to help prevent slips, trips and falls caused by excessive water on our sidewalks and streets.

The City of Bend encourages everyone to do their part to ensure the safety of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Four steps to sprinkler-related public safety:

1) Run a two minute test cycle for each irrigation zone. Be sure temperatures are above freezing

2) Inspect all sidewalks, streets, and other impervious surfaces for water runoff and overspray.

3) Adjust sprinklers that are creating any water runoff or overspray. Run sprinklers and inspect again if adjustments are required.

4) Reduce irrigation run times to reflect reduced watering needs. Plants require roughly half as much water now than during peak summer temperatures and, in many cases, can be turned off completely for the season.

Each year, motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians get surprised by wet or icy sidewalks and streets. Often times these surprises result in accidents that can include serious injury. Please follow these four simple steps to help keep family, friends and neighbors safe.

For more information related to seasonal sprinkler safety and water conservation, please visit www.waterwisetips.org or contact the City of Bend Utility Department at 541-317-3000 .

Deschutes County also noted that although fall is here, many people are still running their sprinklers. With the onset of freezing nighttime temperatures, it’s a good idea to make sure sprinklers aren’t set to spray onto nearby streets and sidewalks.

Freezing temperatures can quickly turn irrigation overspray into icy hazards for pedestrians and cyclists. The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee encourages residents and business owners to adjust irrigation systems to prevent hazardous walking and biking conditions.

Over the years, icy sidewalks and streets have caused accidents for both cyclists and pedestrians. While incidents like these are not common, they are preventable.

The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is a County-appointed committee that works to promote and encourage safe bicycling and walking as a significant means of transportation Deschutes County.

For more information, please call the Deschutes County Community Development Department at (541) 330-4620 .