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Outdoor Water Conservation
- Don't water your street, driveway or sidewalk. Position your sprinklers so that your water lands on the lawn and shrubs - not the paved areas.
- Install sprinklers that are the most water-efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water-efficient methods of irrigation.
- Regularly check sprinkler systems and timing devices to be sure they are operating properly.
- Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A lawn cut higher encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.
- Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. The application of fertilizers increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers which contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
- Outfit your hose with a shut-off nozzle, which can be adjusted down to fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, "turn it off" at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.
- Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly.
- Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass to do so.
- If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter uses from 180 to 250 gallons or more of water.
- Use a broom or rake instead of water to remove leaves, clippings and debris from driveways and walkways.
- Lower the water level in the pool to minimize splashing. When not in use, cover to slow evaporation.
- Use mulch in the garden and around shrubs to save moisture.
