Water Saving Tips for Outdoors

In the heat of the summer, it is important to conserve as much water as possible. Some grasses, flowers and plants may still need more water than is provided by our limited summer showers.

There are a few tips to save water and costs in Hill Country, Texas:

• Prior to watering, feel the soil, look at the grass. Confirm it indeed needs water. 
• Use a sprinkler that waters low to the the ground and provides drops, not a mist, which can evaporate into the air. 
• Rain shut off devices should be programmed to avoid unnecessary watering.
• Automatic sprinkler systems provide regular watering, avoiding the lawn getting too dry.
• Water early in the morning, avoiding evaporation in the heat of the day.
• Grouping similar grasses and plants avoids over watering plants that are more drought resistant.
• Watering by hand held hose is a good idea for small areas, avoiding wasting water the street or a sidewalk.
• If you have a swimming pool and have to empty it, pump the water onto an area that needs water.
• Collect rain in buckets or a large trash can to water potted plants or small gardens.
• When you replace the water in a fish tank, use the old water on plants.
• If it is necessary to run water in the kitchen sink until it is hot, collect the running water in a pitcher for plants or flowers.
• New grass, plants and trees may need slightly more water the first year, then less in years following as root systems have become established.

Be creative with new ideas to be conservative. Encourage family members to come up with new suggestions.