Plant drought resistant trees and plants. Use
Xeriscape landscaping techniques with plants that require less
water. These plants can be very attractive and can survive drought
better than turf. Rocks, gravel, benches, and deck areas can all be
used to creatively decorate the yard.
Choose an automatic irrigation system. An automatic sprinkler
system can be set to water the lawn for a specified amount of time.
This saves your time and waters the lawn evenly. If you don't have
an automatic sprinkling system, set a kitchen timer. A lot of water
can be wasted in a short period of time if you forget to turn your
sprinklers off. Outdoor faucets can flow at rates as high as 300
gallons per hour.
Use a cistern to collect rainwater. 1,000 square feet of roof or
pavement can collect 420 gallons of water from 1 inch of rain.
Rooftops or any sloping surface such as a driveway are prime "catchment"
areas for rainwater. Store the collected water in a cistern, and
siphon it off to water your garden or wash your car. A plastic or
metal garbage can is easily converted to a cistern by attaching a
spigot and hose. Locate your cistern close to wherever you plan to
use the water, and consider the massive weight of such a tank if you
plan to put it on your roof. To filter out leaves and debris,
install a removable screen at the entrance to the cistern.
Spot water. Drier areas require more water than areas where water
settles. If necessary, water dry areas by hand.
Use a soil probe to test soil moisture. Water only when a soil
probe shows dry soil or a screwdriver is difficult to push into the
soil.
Water the lawn only when needed. Step on the grass; if it springs
back up when you move your foot, it does not need water.
Don't water the pavement. Position sprinklers so that water lands
on the lawn or garden, not in areas where it is not needed. Also
avoid watering when it is windy. Wind causes water to evaporate
quickly and blows water onto areas where it is not needed. Remember,
if it doesn't grow, don't water it!
Water without waste. Interrupt watering when puddles or runoff
occur. This allows the water to penetrate into the soil before
resuming irrigation.
Consider drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs. Drip
systems permit water to flow slowly to roots, encouraging strong
root systems. These systems will also cut down evaporation.
Keep lawn free of weeds. Weeds are water thieves and will rob
your plants of water and nutrients. Spot spray or remove weeds as
they appear.
Accept a less than lush lawn. Grass will naturally go dormant
during periods of drought, but will readily regenerate when water
becomes available. Reduce traffic on stressed turf areas if
possible.
Match fertilizer to the plant requirement. Fertilizer
applications require additional water. Excess fertilizer stimulates
top growth, often to the detriment of the root system. Learn to
accept turf grasses with low water needs.
Mow as infrequently as possible. Mowing puts the grass under
additional stress that requires more water.
Mow higher than normal. Longer leaf surfaces promote deeper
rooting and shade the root zone. Never remove more than 1/3 of the
leaf blade in one mowing. Return mulched clippings to the lawn.
Use a broom to clean the driveway and sidewalk. Sweeping the
driveway and sidewalk will get them clean enough without wasting
gallons of water.
Don't let the water run while washing the car. Get the car wet,
then turn off the water while you soap the car down using a bucket
of soapy water. Turn on the water again for a final rinse. Use the
bucket of soapy water on the flower bed or garden.
Don't use the sprinklers just to cool off or for play. Running
through water from a hose or sprinkler is fun but wastes gallons of
water.
Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, and faucets. All leaks cause
water to be wasted. Repair or replace any equipment leaking water.
Cover your swimming pool. Covering a swimming pool will help
reduce evaporation. An average sized pool can use about 1,000
gallons of water per month if left uncovered. A pool cover can cut
the loss by up to 90%.
Recycle your pool water. Use your pool water to irrigate your
lawn, plants, trees, and shrubs. Once you have recycled as much
water as possible, find your sanitary sewer clean-out. Remove the
cap and pump the pool water into the sewer at a rate not to exceed
20 gallons per minute: a faster rate could cause back-up into your
house. Pump rentals are available at swimming pool supply stores and
equipment rental companies.
Use shut-off nozzles on hoses. Shut-off nozzles completely turn
off the water when you are not using it. Move sprinkler heads away
from curbs or sidewalks A mulch, bark, or rock area at least 8
inches wide adjacent to sidewalks and curbs will help eliminate
water waste.
