Watering gardens and lawns accounts for up to 30 percent of water use in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some of this water is lost to runoff or evaporation before it can benefit the plants. Learning to conserve water outdoors will help lower your water bill and ensure that you derive the most benefit from the water.
Sprinkler Systems
Opt for sprinkler system controls that allow you to set the sprinkler to deliver a certain amount of water, rather than to run for a set amount of time. Sophisticated systems feature water sensors that measure the water content of the soil and apply only as much water as plants need. Install a rain sensor so that the system shuts off if it rains. Check that sprinkler heads are aimed properly to water the lawn and not the sidewalk or street. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems in gardens and flower beds.
Water Wise
Water your lawn in the morning to reduce evaporation during the heat of the day. Don't overwater. Depending on the variety of grass you grow, your lawn only needs ½ inch to 1 inch of water every three to five days. The City of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, recommends placing empty tuna cans around your yard. Mark the cans at the ½-inch or 1-inch mark and measure how long it takes your sprinkler system to supply the required amount of water.
Mulch
Mulch holds water in the soil around the roots of plants and helps reduce evaporation. Clemson University's Cooperative Extension recommends using at least 3 inches of mulch around plants. You can mulch with pine needles, leaves, bark mulch or artificial rubber mulch.
Rain Barrels
You can collect water in rain barrels and use it to water flower beds and gardens. Not all states and localities permit rain barrels, so check local laws before you install one at your home. Colorado, for instance, permits rain barrels only with special permits. Even if you can't have a rain barrel, you can divert the water from gutters to water trees or shrubs.
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping uses native plants that naturally thrive on the average rainfall of an area. Not only do xeriscapes use less water, they require less maintenance. Look for native shrubs, trees and wildflowers. You can also plant non-native species bred to use less water. Xeriscaping even applies to lawns. If you opt for native grasses or drought-tolerant species, such as buffalo grass, you'll cut your water bill and have a beautiful lawn.
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