| #1. |
There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you. |
| #2. |
Evaporative coolers require a seasonal maintenance checkup. For more efficient cooling, check your evaporative cooler annually. |
| #3. |
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. |
| #4. |
Avoid planting turf in areas that are hard to water, such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways. |
| #5. |
Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps. |
| #6. |
Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower. |
| #7. |
Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter. |
| #8. |
Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year. |
|
| #9. |
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons of water every time. |
| #10. |
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water. |
| #11. |
We're more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks. |
| #12. |
Periodically check your pool for leaks if you have an automatic refilling device. |
| #13. |
Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water. |
| #14. |
Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn. |
| #15. |
When you clean your fish tank, use the water you've drained on your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer. |
| #16. |
Use the sprinkler for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste. |
| #17. |
Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff. |
| #18. |
Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees, or collect and use for your garden. |
| #19. |
Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days. |
| #20. |
Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering. |
| #21. |
Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective. Be careful not to over water. |
| #22. |
Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock and granite mulching. |
| #23. |
Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape. |
| #24. |
Don't water your lawn on windy days. After all, sidewalks and driveways don't need water. |
| #25. |
Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes. |
| #26. |
When watering grass on steep slopes, use a soaker hose to prevent wasteful runoff. |
| #27. |
Group plants with the same watering needs together to get the most out of your watering time. |
| #28. |
Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water. |
| #29. |
While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed. |
| #30. |
Avoid installing ornamental water features and fountains that spray water into the air. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation. |
| #31. |
Buy a rain gauge to track how much rain or irrigation your yard receives. Check with your local water agency to see how much rain is needed. |
| #32. |
Teach your family how to shut off your automatic watering systems. Turn sprinklers off if the system is malfunctioning or when a storm is approaching. |
| #33. |
Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden with a hose. |
| #34. |
Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year. |
| #35. |
Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later. Your pool should lose no more than 1/4 inch each day. |
| #36. |
Use a screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If it goes in easily, don't water. Proper lawn watering can save thousands of gallons of water annually. |
| #37. |
Avoid overseeding your lawn with winter grass. Once established, ryegrass needs water every three to five days, whereas dormant Bermuda grass needs water only once a month. |
| #38. |
When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most. |
| #39. |
Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps. |
| #40. |
Landscape with Xeriscape trees, plants and groundcovers. Call your local conservation office for more information about these water thrifty plants. |
| #41. |
If you have an evaporative cooler, direct the water drain to a flowerbed, tree, or your lawn. |
| #42. |
Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and other uses. |
| #43. |
Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation. |
| #44. |
Bermuda grasses are dormant (brown) in the winter and will only require water once every three to four weeks or less if it rains. |
| #45. |
Start a compost pile. Using compost when you plant adds water-holding organic matter to the soil. |
| #46. |
Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops of water and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground. |
| #47. |
More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary. |
| #48. |
Adjust your watering schedule to the season. Water your summer lawn every third day and your winter lawn every fifth day. |
| #49. |
Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water. |
| #50. |
Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface. |
| #51. |
Place an empty tuna can on your lawn to catch and measure the water output of your sprinklers. For lawn watering advice, contact your local conservation office. |
| #52. |
When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs. |
| #53. |
If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead. |
| #45. |
When backwashing your pool, consider using the water on your
landscaping. |
| #55. |
For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow. |
| #56. |
Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent using the garbage disposal. |
| #57. |
When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant. |
