In the summer, 50-70% of your water bill is for outdoor use. Over-watering is the number one waste of water during the summer and the leading cause of disease and insect problems.

• Learn to recognize when plants need water. Water only when needed, until the plant's root zone is moist.
   
• Check the soil 2-4 inches deep to see if your lawn needs watering.
   
• Water late in the evening or early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
   
• Use a watering timer on your outdoor faucet to automatically turn off your sprinkler after a set number of minutes.
   
• Set your sprinkler at a slow enough delivery rate for your lawn to absorb the water and to prevent runoff.
   
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering the street and sidewalk.
   
• If you choose to install an automatic irrigation system, use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for trees, shrubs, and flower beds; use sprinklers for lawns.
   
• Mulch planting beds to cover and cool soil, reduce evaporation and weed growth, and slow erosion.
   
• Use a bucket and automatic shut-off nozzle when washing your car. Garden hoses can deliver over 10 gallons per minute.
   
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways.
   
• Set mower blades to 1 1/2" - 2 " and keep them sharp to cut grass cleanly and to retain moisture longer.

Please do your part and be water smart!