Did you know that the greatest waste of water at home is often watering too much, too often? Check out our Sprinkler Systems 101 for some tips that will help you stay green while saving green.

Ever wonder just how much water your lawn and other plants need each week? From March - October, the Consortium publishes a weekly watering number each Thursday. 

 

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Our water consumption is at its highest during the summer months due to outdoor watering. That’s one reason irrigation — whether it’s a single sprinkler attached to a hose or a sophisticated underground system — is a key component to your water conservation efforts.

The first point to remember is that the greatest waste of water is watering too much, too often. Follow the guidelines below to help determine your landscape’s watering needs.

The amount you water should be based on soil conditions and plant needs. Water­ing thoroughly, but infrequently, will help roots go deeper, resulting in more water-efficient, drought-tolerant plants. If water puddles or runs off your lawn when you water, divide your total weekly watering time in half.

An established lawn should be watered separately from other plant areas, and needs about 1 inch of water each week — more during our infrequent hot and dry spells. Trees, shrub beds and perennials typically need even less water.

Make sure you water before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. when the air is calm and cooler, and evaporation is kept to a minimum.

Learn more water-saving practices by visiting other irrigation-related pages and downloading our 7 Basic Steps for Creating Water Efficient Landscapes (PDF) brochure.

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