Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

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Everyone can make a difference through water conservation. Many times, water saving tips involve little to no monetary investment, but can help lead to significant decreases in water usage.

• Do not over-water your lawn. As a general rule of thumb, lawns only need watering every 5 to 7 days during the summer. A 3/4 inch rainfall can eliminate the need for watering for 4 days.

• Water gardens and plants early in the morning when the water pressure is higher, plants aren't stressed, and little water is lost from evaporation. Irrigating at midday can lose as much as 40-60% of the water to evaporation.

• Water grass at night. Little evaporation occurs and there is less chance for disease occurring.

• Avoid watering on windy days as evaporation rates are higher and less water will reach your lawn or landscaped areas.

• Avoid overhead sprinklers if possible. Overhead sprinklers are 75 % efficient while drip or subsurface irrigation is 90 % efficient. Use soaker hoses if possible.

• Check irrigation timers on a monthly basis.

• Install rain sensors, moisture sensors, or humidity on all irrigation systems to eliminate unnecessary watering during rainfall events.

• Utilize Xeriscaping which is landscaping and horticultural practices that minimize water usage. The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service has numerous brochures on Xeriscaping which can be obtained from their website.

• Check with your local nursery for advice on plants that are lower water users and more drought tolerant.

• Do not water sidewalks, driveways, or other paved areas. Position sprinklers so that all water lands on your lawn or plants.

• Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out approximately 600 gallons of water in 2-3 hours if left running. Use a timer to alert you to turn the water off.

• Install pool covers during the winter months to reduce evaporation rates and to decrease the amount of water needed for filling the pool during the spring.

• Increase your lawn mower blade height to at least 3 inches. A higher cut lawn will encourage deeper growing roots and will result in better soil moisture retention.

• Eliminate over fertilizing of your lawn as fertilizer increases the water needs of your landscaping.

• Mulch effectively around all plants, trees, shrubs. Mulching results in better soil moisture retention and weed control.

• Wash your car on the grass and not the driveway as this can provide water for your lawn. Turn off the water while soaping or use a hose nozzle. Utilize a pressure nozzle which can result in decreased rinsing time.