Did you know that much of the water used during the summer goes toward outdoor irrigation? Being intentional about how and when you water your lawn, plants, and landscaping can help your yard thrive while conserving water and lowering your utility bill.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), residential outdoor water use accounts for nearly 8 billion gallons of water each day in the United States, with most of it used for landscape irrigation. Unfortunately, as much as 50% of that water is wasted due to overwatering, evaporation, wind, runoff, and irrigation system inefficiencies.
The good news is that saving water doesn't require expensive equipment. While a smart irrigation controller can save up to 15,000 gallons of water each year, homeowners who water by hand can also make a significant impact by watering wisely and only when necessary. Smart irrigation practices help conserve water, support healthy landscapes, and reduce utility costs.
Simple Ways to Irrigate Smarter
- Water in the Morning
Water between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to reduce evaporation and allow moisture to soak into the soil before the heat of the day.
- Inspect Your Irrigation System
Check regularly for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, and misdirected spray patterns. Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water over a season. Make sure you're watering your landscape—not sidewalks, driveways, or streets.
- Adjust for Weather
Skip watering when rain is in the forecast. Consider installing a rain sensor or weather-based controller that automatically adjusts watering schedules based on local conditions.
- Water Deeply and Less Frequently
Deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger root systems, helping plants remain healthy and resilient during hot summer weather.
- Let Your Grass "Go Golden"
Letting your grass "go golden" doesn't mean you're letting it die. In fact, it's a natural and water-wise way to conserve water during the summer months while keeping your lawn healthy.
When grass goes dormant, its metabolism slows and it redirects energy from the blades to the crown and root system. Once cooler temperatures and rainfall return, most established lawns will naturally green up again.
To help your lawn survive dormancy:
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- Water once every one to two weeks to keep the root crowns hydrated.
- Mow less frequently and set your mower blade higher. Leave grass clippings on the lawn to act as natural mulch.
- Avoid applying fertilizer during dormancy, as it encourages growth that requires additional water.
- Do not allow newly established lawns to go dormant. Young grass is still developing its root system and requires regular watering. Fall is generally the best time to seed or establish new lawns.
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Small changes in how and when you water can save thousands of gallons of water each season while helping protect our local water resources for future generations.
Every. Drop. Counts.