Ways to Save Water Outdoors:

• Water only in late evening or early morning hours to reduce evaporation and interference from wind.
• Don’t overwater. Reduce each irrigation cycle by 1-3 minutes, or eliminate one irrigation cycle per week.
• Use a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle or a bucket to water landscaped area not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system.
• Water only after the top inch of soil is dry.
• Reset irrigation controllers and replace batteries in the spring and fall.
• Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray and run-off.
• Repair leaks and broken sprinkler heads.
• Add 2” to 3” of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation.
• Install water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs, and flowers to get water to the plant’s roots more efficiently.
• Upgrade to a “Smart irrigation controller” that automatically adjusts water times for hotter weather, and shuts down the system when it rains.
• Replace a portion of lawn with low-water-use plants.

 Other Outdoor Ideas

• Use a broom instead of a hose to wash down patios and driveways.
• Wash vehicles at a commercial car wash or use a bucket or hose with a shut-off nozzle. Avoid washing during hot conditions when increased evaporation requires more water.
• Repair all water leaks.
• Install covers on pools and spa to reduce evaporation.
• Use re-circulated water to operate ornamental fountains.

Ways to Save Water Indoors:

• Run the dishwater only when full.
• Turn off water when brushing teeth.
• Shorten showers and save 2.5 gallons per minute.
• Fill the bathtub half full while bathing.
• Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.
• Wash only full loads of clothes.
• Fix leaky toilets and faucets around the house.
• Install aerators with flow restrictors on kitchen/bathroom faucets.
• Replace older, inefficient clothes washers.
• Replace older, high –volume flushing toilets.