12 Ways to Conserve Water Outdoors

During these warmer months, we spend more time outdoors tending to our lawns, growing gardens, and washing our cars. All of these activities require water. More than half of the average household’s water occurs outdoors. As a result, your water bill can see a significant increase during the next few months. Using these simple tips will reduce your water bill and save you money.

1. Inspect your garden hose and irrigation system for leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure rubber washers are in place.
2. Add a shut-off nozzle to your hose. You can save about 5-7 gallons each minute your hose is on.
3. Put out a rain barrel. Collecting rain water is an excellent (and FREE) way to water your indoor plants or wash your car.
4. Water outdoor plants in the morning or late evening. Due to the colder temperatures, less water will be lost from evaporation. Avoid watering on windy and hot days.
5. Use a broom to clean off outside living areas (decks, porches, driveways), rather than hosing them off.
6. When cutting the lawn, set the mower blade to 2-3 inches high. The longer grass will shade the soil, allowing for better moisture retention.
7. Keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass, making it susceptible to disease, and causing it to appear tan and worn.
8. Only water your lawn when necessary. Over-watering results in the growth of shallow root systems that are easily damaged. If rainfall isn’t sufficient, water your lawn once a week. This routine will encourage healthier and deeper grass roots.
9. Mulch around plants and flower beds to keep the soil cool, reduce moisture evaporation, promote growth and control weeds.
10. Take your car to the car wash, rather than washing it at home. Most commercial car washes recycle the water.
11. Wash your pet outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs watering.
12. Don’t water your lawn during a drought. The grass may turn brown, but it is not dead. Your lawn will turn dormant during dry and hot spells, but it will revive itself when wetter weather returns.