Saving Water Outdoors

As summer temperatures rise and rainfall decreases, more of our community's drinking water supplies are used for outside purposes. During the summer months, outdoor watering accounts for 50 percent or more of all water use. Studies show that about half of this is wasted through poor watering practices. By following some easy steps, you can help conserve our most precious resource.

• Water early in the morning or late in the evening (before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.) When you water in the heat of the day, up to 30 percent of your water can be lost to evaporation.
• Avoid over-watering your lawn. Putting one inch of water on your lawn every 5 to 7 days will encourage deep root systems and make for healthier grass. Remember to reduce your watering frequency in the winter to once every 15 to 20 days.
• Watering a landscape properly means watering without runoff. Adjust automatic sprinkler heads so that they water your landscape, not the pavement.
• Give your sprinklers a rest on windy days to avoid overspray and water loss due to evaporation.
• Be sure to check your sprinkler or irrigation systems regularly for any leaks and fix them.
• Use native and adapted plants that thrive on less water. These water-stingy plants are drought tolerant and easy to maintain, which will help save you time and money on your water bill.
• Use drip irrigation for shrub beds, gardens and trees. Drip irrigation systems apply water directly to the root, where it does the most good.
• Add a three to four inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark or wood chips, in flower beds or around trees and shrubs to hold in moisture and limit weed growth.
• Don't cut grass too short during hot weather. Taller grass holds moisture better and slows down evaporation. Leaving lawn clippings on your turf will also return valuable nutrients to the soil.
• Avoid over fertilizing your lawn - this will increase your need for water.
• When removing debris from your driveway or sidewalk - use a broom or blower, never a hose.
• When washing your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water and a hose with a nozzle to stop the flow between rinsings.
• Follow your community's water conservation rules and guidelines - even if you are watering from a private well.
• Report water losses and malfunctioning sprinkler systems.