SAVING WATER OUTDOORS

  1. Plant it smart, Xeriscape. Xeriscape landscaping is a great way to design, install and maintain both your plantings and irrigation system that will save you time, money and water.
  2. Install sprinklers that are the most water-efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water-efficient methods of irrigation.
  3. Regularly check sprinkler systems and timing devices to be sure they are operating properly.
  4. Install a rain sensor device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred. To retrofit your existing system, contact an irrigation professional for more information.
  5. Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. The application of fertilizers increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
  6. Outfit your hose with a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.
  7. Use hose washers between spigots and water hoses to eliminate leaks.
  8. Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly.
  9. If you wash your own car, park on the grass to do so.
  10. Avoid the installation of ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless the water is recycled.
  11. Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. Your garden hoses can pur out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours, so don't leave the sprinkler running all day. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.
  12. If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter uses from 180 to 250 gallons or more of water.
  13. Instead of running sprinklers every day, water the lawn only when it needs it or just give it a good soak one a week. If the grass springs back when you step on it, there is no need to water (saves 750-1500 gal./mo.)
  14. Mulch (chunks of bark, peat moss, or gravel) covers bare ground in gardens and around trees with tasteful good looks, discourages weeds, helps keep the ground from overheating, and holds moisture and slows down evaporation (saves 750 gal./mo.)
  15. If you have a pool, use a pool cover to cut down on evaporation. It will also keep your pool cleaner and reduce the need to add chemicals ( saves 1300 gal./mo.)
  16. Water the lawn in the early morning or evening when ther is less evaproation (saves 300 gal./mo.). Plant drought-resistant natice trees and plants (saves 750-1500 gal/mo) Adjust your sprinklers so they don't water the sidewalk, driveway, and street (saves 500 gal./mo.) Skip watering the lawn on a windy day when ther is too much evaporation ( saves 200-300 gal. each time)
  17. Cut down watering on cool, overcast, or rainy days. Adjust or deactivate automatic sprinklers (saves 200-300 gal. each time.)
  18. Set lawn mower blades 1 notch higher since longer grass means less evaporation (save 500-1500 gal./mo)
  19. Sweep driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of using the hose every time you clean them. ( saves 150 gal. or more each time)
  20. If you let your children play in the sprinklers, make sure it's only when you are also watering the yard.
  21. Wash your car using a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end instead of letting the hose run continuously (saves 150 gal. each time)