Winter Water Wisdom for Moab: Protecting Our Water via Winter Maintenance

As winter settles over the red rock canyons and snow dusts the La Sal'

s, it’s easy to forget about outdoor watering. But winter is actually one of the most important times of year to pay attention to your home’s water system. In Moab’s desert climate, every drop counts — and taking a few simple steps now can help prevent costly leaks, wasted water, and springtime headaches later.

Check Outside Valves and Faucets:

Cold weather can be tough on outdoor plumbing. Before temperatures drop too far, take a few minutes to inspect your outside valves and hose bibs for drips or leaks. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons over the winter, and if the water freezes, it can expand and cause pipes to crack — leading to expensive repairs. Make sure hoses are disconnected, valves are turned off, and any exposed pipes are properly insulated.

Be Cautious with Sprinkler Systems:

When the warm weather returns and it’s time to bring your landscape back to life, don’t rush to turn on your sprinklers. Freezing temperatures during winter can cause underground irrigation lines, fittings, or valves to crack — even if you’ve blown them out in the fall. Before restarting your system in the spring, inspect your lines carefully or have a professional do a quick check. This helps ensure you’re not losing water through hidden leaks or damaged equipment once irrigation season begins.

Why It Matters in Moab:

Water is precious here in Moab — it sustains not only our homes and gardens but also the stunning natural landscapes that draw visitors from around the world. By taking simple steps to protect your outdoor plumbing during the winter, you’re helping to conserve our most vital resource while keeping your property in great shape for the seasons ahead.

A little attention now goes a long way. Together, we can keep Moab beautiful — and water-wise — all year long.