Where There's Water, There's a Way to Save
- Start with your water bill.
Surges may mean you have an undetected outdoor leak. - Look before you leak.
Regular maintenance of outdoor sprinklers, drip systems and plumbing can prevent costly undetected leaks. - Learn from your mistakes.
If you're spending all your free time maintaining lawn and exotic plants, consider renovating your landscape using low maintenance Arizona-native or low-water-use plants. - Stop at sunrise.
To reduce evaporation, time sprinklers so you stop watering before the sun comes up. - Water by the weather.
Avoid watering during rain and high-wind conditions. Plan to reprogram your sprinkler controller monthly or at the minimum in May, July, October and November. - Follow your footprints.
Walk across your grass — if the blades spring back without evidence of footprints, don't water. - Keep a screwdriver handy.
If you can effortlessly probe your ground to a depth of ten inches, your lawn watering is deep and sufficient. (Be careful to avoid underground lines.) - Dig first.
Use a hand-trowel to carefully dig down around plants; if the ground is soggy you're overwatering. (Be careful to avoid underground lines.) - Respond to yellow.
Just like a road sign, "yellow" means "caution." Many people think that a yellow plant needs more water. Instead, yellow leaves on plants are often evidence of overwatering. (Consult a professional if you are unsure.) - Use your eyes.
"Seeing is believing." Mushroom growth, mold or algae mean you're overwatering.
Where can I find out more?
- When quick tips are not enough, learn how to save water and reduce house maintenance and costs by visiting Your Home.
- For additional offsite information see Related Links at bottom of left navigation bar.
