During the warm summer months, we spend time outdoors tending to our lawns and growing our gardens - increasing water usage significantly. Even though we think of the Pacific Northwest as a place of abundant rainfall (about 37 inches per year) and plentiful water, summer watering can drain water systems and your pocketbook.

Here are some ways to use water more efficiently in your landscape:

• Sign up for the Weekly Watering Number and we’ll take the guesswork out of watering for you. Each week, April -September, we will send you your own zip code specific watering number along with tips and other resources to help you use water efficiently this summer. Learn more.  
• Learn how to care for your sprinkler systems. A well-planned watering system can help you avoid over-watering and leaks. Learn more about the types of watering systems that will help you water most efficiently, how to measure your sprinkler’s water use so you can program your sprinklers, and how to maintain your system to make sure water isn’t leaking where you don’t see it. 
• Select items for the landscape that need less water. Learn about waterwise plants, plus steps you can take to increase your soil’s ability to hold water and keep down those weeds.

Still looking for more? Here are 10 ways to curb your water use while still maintaining a green and vibrant landscape.