Wise Watering
Fact
According to the U.S. EPA, landscape irrigation accounts for one-third of residential water use, which is almost 7 billion gallons a day. Being wise about how you water your lawn can not only conserve water, but also save you money.
Get Started
- Check your sprinkler head periodically for leaks. Install a timer for your sprinklers, and use the “rain setting” after storms.
- Water your lawn during the coolest part of the day, avoid watering when it’s windy and don’t overwater.
- Use native plants conducive to your local weather. This can reduce the amount of water you need to use.
Become a Pro
- Give native plants as house warming gifts to encourage your family and friends to keep it local and weather appropriate.
- Collect unused or run-off water in a watering pail for your potted plants to keep the hose from running when not needed.
- Encourage the property management at your apartment complex or place of business to set up an efficient watering schedule.


Colleen N. Coyne
posted on February 18th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Purchase a rain barrel and use to water your garden and clean off gardening equipment. Do not use to water your pets since roofing materials may contain unhealthy chemicals, etc.
Judy
posted on June 11th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Native plants help save water too. They’re already acclimated to the local surroundings. These plants require less water typically.
Jill Watrous
posted on March 27th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
We save the water from when we’re running the tap to get hot water … and take it out to water the garden as needed – or more often, use it to flush the toilet or water inside plants, as our two rain barrels generally provide plenty of water for outside plants. Also I use our rain barrel water to wash various yard items and the car. :)
bonnie
posted on June 23rd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Does anyone know if rain collected off an asphalt shingle roof is safe to use to water vegetables?