If you install traditional landscape (primarily turf grass), more than half of your water will be used outdoors. You can cut outdoor water use 25% to 50% by landscaping with California-friendly plants that are perfectly suited to our mild winters and hot, dry summers. Log on to www.bewaterwise.com for more information about California-Friendly landscaping.
Spread a 3" layer of mulch between plants to help the soil retain moisture and inhibit weeds.
Sweep your driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down.
Irrigation & Maintenance
In July and August, water your lawn about 5 days/week for 10 minutes per day...add 1 to 2 more minutes, if needed
Program your irrigation controller to cycle and soak. For example, irrigate for 5 minutes then wait for an hour and irrigate 5 more minutes. This promotes healthy growth and prevents the soil from drying out. Most irrigation controller programming instructions are available on www.bewaterwise.com.
Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting (3-4 inches) during the summer, allowing the grass blades to grow longer. This helps shade the ground to retain moisture and fight off heat.
If you have an evaporative air-conditioner, direct the water drain line to a flowerbed, tree base, or lawn.
Conservation Tip
Cover your swimming pool wi ht an insulated cover. An average swimming pool loses approximately 1,000 gallons of water per month from evaporation, wind, and sun. A covered pool can save up to 90% of water loss.
For information on our rebate programs, California-Friendly landscape workshops, home water surveys, neighborhood meetings, education programs, and additional resources, see the Conservation web page.
