SAVING WATER OUTDOORS

Saving Water on Your Landscape

During the summer months, we use more than 50% of our drinking water on landscapes. Learn to save water and still have a lush, green landscape by using the seven principles of Xeriscape—quality, common sense landscaping that conserves water and prevents water pollution. Go the Xeriscape webpage to learn about the seven principles and to see how beautiful Xeriscape can be.

Use Native, Drought-Tolerant or Adapted Plants in Your Yard

There are many beautiful plants that are very tough and well suited for our hot and sometimes dry summers in Dallas. Check out the information about Xeriscape or go to our Virtual Resource Center page to learn more about native, adapted and drought-tolerant plants. It takes about two years for most plants to become established. After that, many will need little supplemental watering aside from our average annual rainfall. However, don't fall into old habits and over-water these natural beauties. Too much water will kill some plants; others will acclimate to the unnecessary water you give them, negating any savings associated with planting native and drought-tolerant plants.

Group plants according to their watering needs. You don't have to give up on all plants that may not be as drought tolerant as their native or adapted cousins. But group them together, and supplementally hand water as necessary.

Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for shrubs, trees and plantings. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation put the water into the soil instead of on the leaves and in the air.

Be sure to use mulch around your trees and plants. Mulch will protect the soil from heat and the sun and will also help retain the water you give your landscape.

Learn How to Water Your Lawn Properly

There are a number of factors that will determine how much water your lawn needs and the frequency of watering. The two biggest are exposure and soil. A clay soil will hold water longer but may be difficult to wet without runoff. Several short water cycles can help penetration. Sandy soils may require short and more frequent waterings. Likewise, southern or western exposures will need more frequent watering than north facing or shaded areas.

Many people think they must water every day or every other day to have green and healthy turf. This is a common misconception that wastes water and actually weakens your lawn. Horticulturalists recommend watering your lawn deeply and infrequently to promote a strong root system.

Most grasses only need one inch of water every seven to ten days. How long must you water to apply one inch?

It depends on the hose diameter, type of sprinkler, water pressure and soil conditions. Set out several six ounce tuna cans or cat food cans in the path of your sprinklers. These cans are one inch deep, so when they are full, you've applied one inch of water! Be sure to watch for run-off on some types of soils that cannot absorb the water quickly enough. You may need to water for a few minutes to soften the soil, wait 10 or 15 minutes and then resume watering. While this may sound like a lot of effort, you'll only have to "get acquainted" with your soil's watering needs one time, after that, you'll know how long it will take to apply an inch of water. A soil probe inserted into the soil can also tell you how deep your water is going.

Please keep in mind that if your landscape is accustomed to being watered every other day, you may need to slowly cut back on your watering. The roots may be shallow and they will need some time to grow so it may take a few weeks before you can "wean your lawn."

Water Your Lawn Only When It Needs It

Again, grass only needs about an inch of water every seven to ten days. That includes rain water! Watch your lawn for signs of stress. If the St. Augustine blades of grass "roll", if the Bermuda gets a bluish cast or if you leave foot prints on the grass after walking on it, your lawn needs water.

Water only in the morning, when evaporation rates are at their lowest.

Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) estimates that homes with in-ground automatic sprinkler systems use 35% more water than those without in-ground systems. And water use for households using automatic timers for their irrigation systems use 47% more than in-ground systems that are operated manually. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, try not to use your timer unless you are going to be out of town. Timers aren't very smart. The rain and freeze sensors now required by the Conservation Ordinance will prevent sprinklers from operating when it is raining, but they won't remember if it rained yesterday.

If you use your automatic sprinkler system, be sure that it does not water sidewalks, driveways or the street. Also be sure that all the sprinkler heads are in good working order and that your system has no leaks.

Other Ways to Save Water Outside

If you have a swimming pool, check it for leaks and be sure to cover it when it is not in use. Pool covers will save up to 90 percent of the water lost to evaporation.

Use a broom to wash your driveway—not a hose.

When you wash your car, use a commercial car wash that recycles the water. This saves water and helps prevent water pollution.