Here are 10 ways to help you save water outdoors all summer:

1. Adjust how much your sprinkler waters throughout the watering season. Sign up to get the Weekly Watering Number and we’ll let you know via email or text how much to water each week based on weather in your zip code.
2. Take 15 minutes to measure your sprinkler’s water use. Many people overwater because they don’t know how much water their sprinkler (or soaker hose, drip irrigation system, or garden hose) uses.
3. Water plants deeply twice a week rather than daily. This will encourage strong root growth and reduce evaporation and runoff. Bonus tip: water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler, to minimize evaporation.
4. Become a leak detective. Inspect your irrigation system for leaks, broken lines, perpetual damp spots, and puddling water. A well-maintained system will save you water, money, and time.
5. Make water-efficient landscaping simple. Follow seven basic steps—from planning to design to long-term maintenance—to create a landscape that looks beautiful and saves water.
6. Water efficiently by hand. Water flows from a hose at an average of 5-7 gallons per minute. A shut-off nozzle makes sure the water is only on when you need it.
7. Take your car to a commercial car wash that recycles and filters its wastewater. If you prefer washing your car by hand, use phosphate-free soap and a shut-off nozzle for your hose. Make sure the soapy water doesn’t run into storm drains–instead divert it into your lawn with some old towels.
8. Adjust your lawnmower to a higher setting and mow less often. A taller lawn provides shade to grass roots and helps retain soil moisture. This means that your lawn will require less water to be healthy.
9. Choose native and waterwise plants. Once established, these plants are low maintenance, require little to no pesticides or fertilizers, and survive well on minimal water.
10. Switch and save. Choose WaterSense-labeled weather-based irrigation controllers, soil moisture-based irrigation controllers, and water-efficient sprinklers for ultimate water savings.

How to help use water wisely outdoors if you live in a rental or HOA

Even if you don’t control the irrigation where you live, you can still save water by watering your container plants efficiently, reporting outdoor leaks, and encouraging your property manager, homeowners association, building super, or homeowner to adopt waterwise landscaping.