Water saving tips
Don’t water your lawn unless it’s dry. A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need water but if it stays flat, it does.
Soak your lawn deeply, and long enough for the water to soak down to the roots.
Don’t water on windy days. Water will be wasted by drifting off target.
Minimize evaporation and drift by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.
Identify your soil: sandy (dries out quickly), loam (moderate drying), or clay (slow drying).
If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
Keep your mower high especially during the summer months. This will help prevent weeds and keep moisture in the soil.
Place a sprinkler in a dry area of your lawn if the kids want to cool off.
Start a compost pile. Using compost in your garden or flower beds adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
Use rain barrels or a catchment system to capture free rainwater from your roof. Plants prefer untreated water, so your garden will be healthier.
If you are using a hose end sprinkler:
Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas.
Set a timer as a reminder to turn water off.
Don’t try to water your whole lawn in one day. Alternate front, back, and sides, giving each area a deep soaking.
If you are using an automatic irrigation system:
Learn how to set your controller properly. Look for WaterSense® labeled irrigation controllers.
Don’t “set it and forget it”. Adjust your watering schedule to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.
Periodically check your sprinkler system for leaks, and keep sprinkler heads adjusted.
Make sure you have a rain sensor and it is working properly.
Maintenance Tips for Water Conservation:
Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light and water.
Don’t over-fertilize. While fertilizers help plants, they also increase water consumption.
Prune your plants properly so they use water more efficiently.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, sidewalks and driveways, and save water every time.
Report broken pipes, leaky hydrants and errant sprinklers to property owners or your local water provider.
Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe breaks, this could save gallons of water and prevent damage.
Aerate your lawn periodically. This will allow water to reach the roots, rather than run off the surface.
Planting Tips to Save Water:
Plant trees and shrubs native to your region, which use less water and are more resistant to local plant diseases.
Plant in the spring and fall, when the watering requirements are lower.
Don’t plant grass in areas that are hard to water, such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
Use drought-resistant grasses if you are planting a new lawn, or seeding an existing lawn.
Group plants according to watering requirements. This way individual plants are not under-watered or over-watered.
Apply a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth.
Plant trees in the yard for shade. In addition to making your house cooler and storing carbon, adding shade trees can lessen the need for watering.