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Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
How To Save Water Outside the Home
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The rate of consumption for water-saving devices or products varies significantly. Please check the packaging on the plumbing fixture or product you purchase to determine the water efficiency of your merchandise. Warm weather means more outdoor activities -- and more outdoor water use. Be as careful and efficient outdoors as you are inside the home.
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Hoses
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- Check hose and connectors. Repair or replace leaky parts or sections.
- Use a nozzle which can be shut off or adjusted to fine spray. When finished, shut off at the house instead of at nozzle to avoid leaks. Consider a water-saving drip irrigation system which provides a slow steady supply of water to garden and shrubbery.
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Lawn & Garden
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- Plan before you plant - consider plant needs for moisture, sunlight, etc. in advance.
- Plant in the spring or fall, when watering requirements are lower.
- Choose climate friendly plants - many native plants can survive on rainwater alone, and they're more disease and insect resistant.
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- Cut down on grass - grass requires up to four times as much water as other plants. Cut back on the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs or ground cover or putting in rock gardens.
- Improve the soil structure - work organic material such as peat moss or compost into the soil to help retain water and assist in plant growth.
- Water your lawn in the evenings or early mornings to reduce evaporation. When you do water, water long enough for moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good.
- Re-using water is a good idea. Some cleaning water and pool water is fine for watering lawn and garden.
- Care for what you plant - weed and prune regularly to ensure water is going where its needed.
- Plant water efficient grasses, plants, trees, and shrubs.
- Use mulch to help the soil retain moisture and to reduce the growth of weeds.
- Use drip irrigation to water plants, trees, and shrubs.
- Keep the grass 2" - 3 long to enhance root development with minimal watering.
- Aerate the soil in the spring and fall to reduce runoff.
- Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist, which increases evaporation.
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Car
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- Rinse car once, wash from bucket of soapy water, rinse quickly again.
- Used water is fine for chrome, hub caps, and wheels.
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Driveways & Walkways
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Use a broom or rake instead of water to remove leaves, clippings, debris.
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Pool
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- Keep level low to minimize splashing. Use a cover to slow evaporation (keeps water cleaner, too).
- Check walls, filtration systems, inlets; repair where needed.
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