Be water-wise at home and in your yard.
Our homes and yards are filled with helpful tools and simple reminders to use water wisely. The number of ways to save is almost as endless as the number of gallons we can conserve.
Smart Water Use: Outdoor
- During dry periods, landscape watering can consume up to three-quarters of a household's total water usage.
Many plant problems arise not from underwatering, but from overwatering.
An inefficient sprinkler can deliver as much as 300 gallons an hour onto a lawn. That’s no drop in the bucket!
During dry periods, landscape watering can consume up to 75% of a household's total water bill.
- Use a hose nozzle when you wash your car.
- Water at the right time of day. Watering when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cooler minimizes evaporation by as much as 30 percent. The best time to water is during early morning hours.
- Adjust your watering schedule to the season.
- Autumn is perfect for gardening! The typically cool temperatures reduce stress on gardens and gardeners alike.
- Reduce areas of thirsty turf grass by adding more mulched beds. Mulch not only helps plants retain moisture, but helps minimize weeds and keeps plants cool!
- Install a rain barrel to collect rain water, and use it to water your lawn and garden or wash your car.
- Install water-efficient drip irrigation systems for your landscape.
- Add organic materials, like compost, to planted beds to improve water and air holding capacities.
- Choose plants native to our area. They have lower water requirements, fewer pest problems and need less fertilizer than exotic or non-native plants.
- Plan your landscape for the most efficient water use by grouping plants with similar watering needs.
- Keep areas clear of weeds that rob your plants of water.
- Make sure you’re not sending water down the drain. Set sprinklers to water plants, not your driveway, sidewalk, patio or buildings.
