Below are some tips that could help lower your water bill; click on each picture or link to learn more.
Quick Tips
Start with your water bill. Surges may mean you have an undetected outdoor leak.
Maintain. 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.
