Irrigation

  • Follow the city's permanent conservation measures on when to water your lawn. Mandatory watering times are in the morning and evening for both in-ground and hose-end sprinkler systems. Watering at these times, when the evaporation times are low, are the most efficient times to water even if you are watering by hand.
  • Replace water intensive grasses such as fescue with a drought tolerant variety. Combine this with letting your grass grow 3-5 inches before mowing and watering your lawn for longer periods and less frequently will stimulate the roots to grow deeper-maximizing water retention.
  • Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
  • Avoid planting turf in areas that are hard to water such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
  • Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower
  • Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead or running the tap for cold drinks, so that every drop goes down you not the drain.
  • Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
  • Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
  • Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.
  • Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
  • Use the sprinkler for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
  • Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days.
  • Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.
  • Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective, be careful not to over water.
  • Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock and granite mulching.
  • Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape.
  • Don't water your lawn on windy days. After all, sidewalks and driveways don't need water.
  • Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes.
  • When watering grass on steep slopes, use a soaker hose to prevent wasteful runoff.
  • Group plants with the same watering needs together to get the most out of your watering time.
  • Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.
  • While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
  • Buy a rain gauge to track how much rain or irrigation your yard receives. Check with your local water agency to see how much rain is needed to skip an irrigation cycle.
  • Teach your family how to shut off your automatic watering systems. Turn sprinklers off if the system is malfunctioning or when a storm is approaching.
  • Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden with a hose.
  • Bermuda grasses are dormant (brown) in the winter and will only require water once every three to four weeks or less if it rains.
  • Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops of water and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
  • More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary.
  • Adjust your watering schedule to the season. Water your summer lawn every third day and your winter lawn every fifth day.
  • Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.
  • Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn't allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.
  • Place an empty tuna can on your lawn to catch and measure the water output of your sprinklers. For lawn watering advice, contact your local conservation office.
  • For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.