Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.        
  
• Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.      
  
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.        
  
• Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.       
  
• Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use recycled water.

• Use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.    
  
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass so that you will be watering it at the same time.

• Avoid over watering your lawn. A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.        
  
• Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture.        
  
• Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.        
  
• Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Mist can evaporate before it reaches the lawn. Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.      
  
• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.       
  
• Plant drought-resistant lawn seed.
  
• Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
  
• Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.   
  
• Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.