In the summer, outdoor water use can account for 50-80% of home use water.

Much of the water used outdoors is wasted through inefficient landscape watering practices.  Reduce the amount of water we waste to protect the quality of life for future Texans.

• One inch of water once a week should be sufficient for most lawns
• Over-watering turf will encourage a short root system that is not drought tolerant.
• Water in early morning or late evening during hot summer months.
• Harvest rain water into a barrel for future watering.
• Taller grass holds moisture better and encourages deeper roots.
• Do not cut grass more than 1/3 of its length at one time.
• Use 1-3 inches of mulch around landscaping.
• Apply fertilizer in the spring and fall. Do not use too much fertilizer to avoid run off and pollution.
• Add organic matter to improve landscape soil for water retention.
• Turn off decorative fountains on windy days and during droughts.
• Plant water efficient, well-adapted, drought tolerant native shrubs and trees.
• Use drought tolerant groundcover instead of grass in narrow, sloping area or close to pavement.
• Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of landscape watering.
• Use a sprinkler that produces large drops close to the ground. Use a timer to turn off sprinker.
• Adjust automatic sprinkler settings often, don't set in the spring and leave it all season.
• Install rain shut-off devices to prevent watering in the rain.
• Reduce the run time of sprinklers on shrubs and shady areas.
• Once a month, run sprinklers for a short time on each cycle while you are home to make sure they are working properly.
• If you wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water and a hose nozzle that shuts off the water while you scrub.

Check out additional water saving tips here.