Chill in air means keep sprinkler spray confined

As winter nears, some sprinkler systems are still set to turn on as people try to make their summer and fall vegetation last as long as possible.

With the onset of freezing nighttime temperatures, what was mere overspray in summer and early fall becomes a hazard when irrigation water turns to ice.

The Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee advises the adjustment of irrigation systems to ensure proper coverage over planted areas this time of year.

Although people need to be cautious of slippery surfaces when walking or bicycling in the winter, the situation changes in the fall. Walkers or cyclists may not expect to encounter ice on their paths of travel.

Over the years, several bicycle and pedestrian accidents related to icy sidewalks and streets have occurred and, a few accidents were severe enough that the victims had to be hospitalized.

While incidents like these are not common, they are preventable with cooperation from the landscape contractor industry and homeowners/renters. Please test all systems to ensure that adjacent walkways and roadways are not being irrigated.

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) 383-6718.