Outdoors

Use water for landscaping more efficiently:

Use less grass
Plant shrubs or ground cover or put in a rock garden. Grass requires up to four times as much water as other plants.

Choose climate friendly plants
Many native plants can survive on rainwater alone, and they're more disease and insect resistant.

Care for what you plant
Weed and prune regularly to ensure water is going where it's needed.

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.
• Aerating your yard once a year also will help it retain water.

Water efficiently

• Use a sprinkler with a low application rate (about one-third inch per hour) and check for even coverage. Established grass only needs an inch of water each week.
• To reduce evaporation, water your lawn and gardens in the early morning or evening.
• Water lawns and gardens in short, repeated intervals for best absorption.
• Install a trickle or drip irrigation system for a slow, steady supply of water to the plant roots.

Apply mulch before spring and fall rains
Place a three to four-inch layer of mulch around plants and trees to avoid excess evaporation.
It will reduce water needs, moderate soil temperature and inhibit weed growth.


Save water with other outdoor activities:

• Don't run water continuously when washing your car.
• Use a nozzle on the hose to stop the water flow between rinsings.
• Clean the car with a pail of soapy water.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.