Ways to Save Water Outdoors

• Observe your sprinkler for one full cycle to avoid watering nonplant areas.sprinkler image by palms from Fotolia.com
  
  It pays to plan wisely to be able to maintain outdoor home and garden environments without breaking the bank or violating seasonal water-use restrictions. In years of drought, water rationing becomes necessary in some states and regions, and water costs go up. According to Elizabeth Goldsmith in "Resource Management for Individuals and Families," 20 to 65 percent of household water usage can go for outdoor use.
  
  

Plant Choices

• Landscaping with drought-tolerant plants can curb your outdoor water use. County extension agents, master gardeners, the Internet and public libraries all have resources with information on drought-tolerant plants for landscaping in all regions. Once established, such plants require little irrigation for maintenance. Lawns transpire a lot of water, so low-water-use ground covers and shrubs that minimize your square-footage of grass are a first step. Trish Riley, in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Living," notes that in America, one-third to one-half of a household's water usage, is devoted to lawn upkeep.
  
  

Watering Systems

• Another strategy is to use drip irrigation, soaker hoses and micro-drips whenever possible. These deliver water to the roots and soil without exposing the water to air, where it can evaporate. Keep your watering and sprinkling systems in good repair and check routinely for drips and leaks that waste water. Outfit hose ends with shut-off valves so water isn't wasted between applications. Position sprinklers so the water falls where needed and does not run off or hit a sidewalk.
  
  

Overwatering

• Double-check watering requirements for plants in your landscape for each season. Monitor the amount of water delivered to plants and do not overwater. Overwatering not only wastes water but promotes growth of fungi and pests that can be harmful to plants.
  
  

Avoid Hoses for Cleaning

• Use a broom to clean outdoor surfaces like driveways, patios, sidewalks and parking lots rather than a hose. When washing cars, use a bucket rather than a hose. Use a bucket and brush for cleaning window screens.
  
  

Avoid Evaporation

• Cover swimming pools when not in use to prevent evaporation and unnecessary refilling. Water your yard at night or early morning so moisture has a chance to soak in rather than evaporate due to sunshine and rising daytime temperatures. Use mulch around landscaping plants to insulate against heat and cold as well as hold in moisture. Mow grass at a higher setting, because longer grass loses less water.