Maximizing Water Conservation

Water availability isn't necessarily a function of how much it rains. Reservoirs can be full of water, but if a city's water-treatment facility can't handle the demand from homeowners who desire green lawns in the middle of summer, water shortages may result. The need for improvements at many water-treatment facilities across the country is often more responsible for water shortages than a lack of rainfall. It makes sense to save water whenever and wherever possible, both inside and out.

Here are some steps to help conserve water outdoors:

• Don't water until plants need it. Dig down a couple inches near the base of the plants, and if the soil is bone dry, water. In addition, when a plant begins to show signs of wilt, especially in the morning, it probably needs water.
  
  
• Water early in the morning, when temperatures are mild and winds are calm. Less water will be lost through evaporation.
  
  
• Deep-soak each time you water.
  
  
• Adjust sprinklers so the water is aimed directly at plants rather than sidewalks, paths, driveways or fences. Use sprinklers that emit large droplets to reduce losses due to evaporation.
  
  
• Stop watering whenever runoff occurs, especially on slopes. That may mean turning the water on and off in cycles to allow moisture to soak into the ground, but it's better than having the water flow down the street.
  
  
• Grow drought-tolerant plants. A number of beautiful plants, both native and non-native, can survive with less than an inch of water a week once they're established.
  
  
• Place water-loving plants in areas that receive shade in the afternoon. Even sun-loving plants will be fine provided they receive morning to midday light.
  
  
• Install a moisture sensor on automatic sprinkler systems. This is a probe placed in the ground that determines when the soil needs water and turns on the sprinkler. This is probably one of the smartest water-saving devices ever invented.
  
  
• Capture and recycle rainwater by placing barrels or buckets beneath your downspouts.
  
  
• Install drip-irrigation systems and soaker hoses in flower and vegetable gardens, around trees and shrubs, even in containers.