Ways to Conserve Water Outdoors

Outdoor water usage can be twice that of indoor water usage. Much of that water usage is unnecessary.

Conserve Water Outdoors

• Use porous material for walkways and patios to prevent wasteful runoff and keep water in your yard.
• Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while under watering others.
• Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and groundcovers appropriate to your site and region.
• Plant species native to your region.
• Plant in the spring and fall, when the watering requirements are lower.
• Avoid planting grass in areas that are hard to water, such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
• Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
• Start a compost pile. Using compost in your garden or flower beds adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
• Use a layer of organic mulch on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.
• Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants helps them retain moisture, saving water, time and money.
• Use 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
• Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low-water-use plant and save up to 550 gallons each year.
• Collect water from your roof by installing gutters and downspouts. Direct the runoff to plants and trees.
• For automatic water savings, direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems to water-loving plants in your landscape.
• Hire a qualified pro to install your irrigation system and keep it working properly and efficiently.
• Adjust your lawn mower to the height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Taller grass shades roots and holds soil moisture better than short grass.
• Leave lawn clippings on your grass, this cools the ground and holds in moisture.
• If installing a lawn, select a lawn mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.
• Aerate your lawn periodically. Holes every six inches will allow water to reach the roots, rather than run off the surface.
• If walking across the lawn leaves footprints (blades don't spring back up), then it is time to water.
• 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.
• Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. 3/4 to 1 inch of water is enough to apply each time you irrigate.
• Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.
• For more immediate hot water and energy savings, insulate hot water pipes.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Or, wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your grass at the same time.
• Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.
• Wash your pets outdoors, in an area of your lawn that needs water.
• When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your non-edible plants.
• When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, sidewalks, and driveways, and save water every time.
• Report broken pipes, leaky hydrants and errant sprinklers to property owners or to the Plainville Department of Public Works.
• Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. Were a pipe to burst, this could save gallons of water and prevent damage.