THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 4, 1995 TAG: 9508020170
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER C. O'DONNELL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Concern over the quality of Chesapeake's water supply has some residents wondering if it's safe to water lawns, vegetable gardens and outdoor plants.
For several days the sodium levels at the Northwest River Treatment Plant have been higher than normal - at levels around 380 parts per million.
Richard Rhodes, agriculture agent with the Chesapeake Extension Service, said area homeowners need not worry just yet.
``With the sodium levels being what they are, residents shouldn't have any trouble. In fact, most people don't realize that when you fertilize your lawn, you're adding more sodium than is presently found in the city water.''
Even if the drought continues for another month, the salt levels shouldn't pose a problem to lawns and gardens, said Rhodes.
``If we have high levels of salt in the water for three months or more, it could be a problem,'' added Rhodes. ``But by then, the plants will be dying anyway due to a lack of water.''
Although the sodium levels in the water are posing no threat to area plants, the high heat, sun and humidity provide the perfect conditions for other plant problems.
``We've seen a lot of brown-patch fungus in Chesapeake this year,'' said Mike Webster with McDonald Garden Center.
If your lawn develops brown patch fungus, you'll know it. The fungus forms large brown circles on the lawn and spreads rapidly if untreated.
Fortunately, treating the fungus is fairly simple, said Webster.
``Try watering your lawn early in the morning instead of late at night. That way, the excess water will burn off with the wind and sun so the fungus can't grow.''
``If that doesn't work, a granular fungicide will do the trick.''
To weather the drought, homeowners should make sure their lawns and outdoor plants are well watered.
``Most plants need at least one inch of water per week,'' said Rhodes.
KEYWORDS: WATER SODIUM CHLORIDE by CNB